1966 Map of Meadow Creek Lake

About this map

White River National Forest defines this high-elevation landscape, where the South Fork White River carves through a deep Canyon near the county line between Rio Blanco and Garfield counties. This mid-1960s survey reveals a network of primitive access points, centered around the New Castle Buford Road and historical paths like the Ute Trail. The presence of Clark Cabin and the Meadow Creek Cow Camp suggests the enduring seasonal use of these uplands for livestock and timber management. Water remains the primary landmark in this drainage-heavy terrain, from the secluded Meadow Creek Lake to geological curiosities like Spring Cave. The topography transitions from the dramatic Clark Ridge to the broad expanse of Clinetop Mesa, providing a clear record of the backcountry infrastructure used by ranchers and outdoorsmen before modern recreational development intensified.