1951 Map of Mount Big Chief

About this map

Pike National Forest dominates the high country west of Colorado Springs, where peaks like Mount Big Chief and Mount Vigil tower over a landscape of steep gulches and mountain camps. This early 1950s survey captures the transition from wilderness and agricultural ranching to significant military infrastructure, notably the expansive Camp Carson Military Reservation. Within the reservation, specialized facilities such as the Camp Carson Hospital and a Rifle Range are clearly mapped. The rugged terrain is punctuated by historical homesteads and mountain retreats, including Emerald Valley Ranch, Hitch Rack Ranch, and Turkey Creek Ranch. Educational life in the more remote canyons is marked by the presence of Lytle School and Red Creek School, while the Gold Camp Road provides a primary transit corridor through the foothills. The map reveals a complex water system including the Penrose-Rosemont Reservoir and numerous creeks like Little Fountain Creek that drain toward the plains.