1960 Map of Maroon Bells

About this map

Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness dominates this 1960s-era topographic study, centered on the high peaks of the Elk Mountains. The map reveals a high-altitude landscape defined by steep drainage basins and massive summits, including the iconic Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak. The convergence of the White River National Forest and Gunnison National Forest is marked by the county line between Pitkin and Gunnison, traversing ridges and passes. Human presence is concentrated at the Maroon Lake Campground and along the base of Pyramid Peak, while more isolated features like the Conundrum Hot Springs and a lone Mine in the south indicate the era's recreational and industrial reach into the backcountry. The drainage patterns of Maroon Creek and Conundrum Creek illustrate the glacial carving of these valleys, leading to high-elevation basins such as Copper Basin.