1957 Map of Meridian Hill

About this map

Arapaho National Forest and Pike National Forest converge in this high-altitude landscape where Clear Creek, Jefferson, and Park Counties meet. The mid-century survey reveals a patchwork of conservation and early recreation, featuring sites like the State Game and Fish Reserve and the Our Lady of the Rockies Camp. Remote ranches and specialized facilities, such as the Elk Management Headquarters and Singing River Ranch, suggest a land managed for both wildlife and rugged retreat. Waterways like the North Fork Elk Creek and Buffalo Creek carve through the terrain, leading toward landmarks like Elk Falls. Named peaks and ridges, including Meridian Hill, Shadow Mountain, and the distinctive Lions Head, dominate the topography, providing a detailed record of the wilderness before later suburban expansion reached these heights.