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2022 Map of Monument Hill

Name: 2022 Topographic Map of Monument Hill
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2022
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2022

About this map

The La Plata Mountains define this high-altitude landscape within the San Juan National Forest, where the legacy of Colorado mining is carved into steep gulches and mountain basins. Evidence of early mineral exploration is visible through sites like the Neglected Mine and Oro Fino, tucked among the drainages of Leavenworth Gulch and Gaines Gulch. The complex network of water features, including the S Fork Hermosa Cr and Clear Cr, highlights the importance of mountain runoff in this terrain.

Deep valleys and ridges such as Sliderock Mtn and Bald Knob are connected by historical trails and primitive routes like the Champion Venture and Little Elk Creek Trl. Cultural markers like Cemetery Flats suggest the human footprint that accompanied these remote mining operations. The map also captures the transition from high peaks down to the Wild Oat Mesa, showcasing the diverse topography that challenged early prospectors and surveyors in La Plata County.