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2016 Map of Lava Creek

Name: 2016 Topographic Map of Lava Creek
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2016
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2016

About this map

The White River National Forest defines this high-elevation landscape in Eagle County, characterized by a complex network of glacial lakes and mountain drainage systems. Named peaks and ridges like Cottonwood Peak and Piney Ridge divide the terrain, directing snowmelt into the Piney River and its numerous tributaries. The map details a specialized high-country hydrology, featuring high-altitude catchments such as Lava Lake, Marma Lake, and the Castle Reservoir.

Evidence of historical land use and access is visible through an extensive system of trails and mountain passes. Routes such as the Big Park Trail, Rock Creek Park Trail, and the Lower Piney Trail connect scattered mountain parks, including Elkhorn Park and Kelly Park. These meadows and basins, often located at the headwaters of gulches like Bear Gulch and Rhoads Gulch, represent the high-pasture geography essential to the region's ranching and recreational history. Notable crossings like McCord Pass and Muddy Pass mark the traditional routes through this portion of the Colorado Rockies.