1964 Map of Minnesota Pass

About this map

The Gunnison National Forest high country, as it appeared in the mid-1960s, is dominated by the massive ridge lines of the Chain Mountains and Mount Gunnison. This landscape serves as a critical watershed for the West Slope, with waters collected in Beaver Reservoir and Minnesota Reservoir to supply lower-elevation ranching and agriculture. The map documents an intricate network of historical routes, including the Sunset Trail and the Through Line Trail, which traverse high passes such as Minnesota Pass and Elk Basin Pass. These trails and landmarks like Wooten Mesa and Lion Mesa underscore the region's importance for both early forest management and seasonal livestock movement. The presence of Coal Mountain hints at the underlying geology that would define much of the regional industry beyond the forest boundaries.