Loading map...

1963 Map of La Veta Pass

Name: 1963 Topographic Map of La Veta Pass
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1971
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1971

About this map

Sangre de Cristo mountain peaks dominate this early 1960s survey, marking a critical transit corridor between Huerfano and Costilla counties. The topography centers on a series of historic mountain crossings, including Sangre de Cristo Pass, North La Veta Pass, and La Veta Pass. These gaps in the range have long dictated the movement of people and commerce, shown here by the path of U.S. 160 and the winding route of the Denver and Rio Grande Western railroad.

The presence of the Grant Boundary and an old Wagon Road suggests the deeper layers of land division and early travel in the region. Notable landmarks like Mount Mestas and Dump Mountain overlook a landscape of high-altitude drainages, including Mexican Toll Creek and South Abeyta Creek. Local activity is evidenced by Mallet Vega Camp and a Gravel Pit, providing a glimpse into the seasonal grazing and infrastructure maintenance required in this challenging environment.