2022 Map of Minnesota Pass

About this map

The Minnesota Pass serves as a central landmark in this high-altitude landscape within the Gunnison National Forest. The map reveals a complex system of drainage and elevation, where the E Fork Minnesota Cr and S Fork Minnesota Cr carve through deep valleys between prominent plateaus like Wooten Mesa and Lion Mesa. This terrain is characterized by its significant peaks and ridges, including the Chain Mountains and the massive Mt Gunnison to the east. Historically, these lands have been managed for their natural resources and recreation, evidenced by the intricate network of pack trails such as the Lane Cabin Trl and Curecanti Trl. The presence of features like Deep Cr Ditch and Coal Creek Mesa points to a legacy of water management and mineral interest that has shaped the human footprint in the West Elk Mountains for decades.