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2019 Map of Iris NW

Name: 2019 Topographic Map of Iris NW
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2019
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2019

About this map

The high-elevation boundary between Gunnison and Saguache counties is defined by a landscape of intricate drainages and ridgelines. Waterways such as S Beaver Cr and Pole Cr carve through the terrain, while landmarks like Rocky Ridge and the Sea of Sage suggest the character of the vegetation and geology in this part of the Colorado interior. The map reveals a dense network of modern recreational and access routes, including The Luge Trail, Broken Shovel, and the Enchanted Forest.

Evidence of the area's topographical complexity is found in named passes and gulches, such as Skull Pass and Stubbs Gulch. The southeastern portion of the map is marked by the presence of Mud Gulch and Long Gulch, showing how seasonal runoff has shaped the local geography over time. This 2019 survey documents a region defined more by its trails and natural landforms than by permanent settlements, reflecting its use for public land access and high-country recreation.