Loading map...

1963 Map of La Plata

Name: 1963 Topographic Map of La Plata
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1970
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1970

About this map

Mining operations and high-altitude trails define this 1963 survey of the San Juan Mountains within the San Juan National Forest. The landscape is a complex network of steep ridges and deep gulches, where the La Plata River and Hermosa Creek originate. Mining history is evident across the peaks, with the Cumberland Mill (Ruins) located near Cumberland Mountain and numerous named sites like the Little Kate Mine, Tomahawk Mine, and Gold King Mine scattered throughout the drainage basins.

A network of historical pathways, including the Indian Trail, Highline Trail, and various pack trails, provides access to remote landmarks such as Hesperus Mountain and Sharkstooth Peak. The boundary between Montezuma and La Plata counties bisects the quadrangle, running through the high country near Babcock Peak and Mount Moss. The map captures an era of backcountry resource extraction and early alpine recreation before the modernization of mountain access.