2019 Map of Mount Elbert

About this map

The settlement of Twin Lakes sits at the foot of the Collegiate Peaks, serving as a gateway to some of Colorado’s most significant high-altitude terrain within the San Isabel National Forest. This 2019 survey documents a landscape dominated by massive peaks, including Mt Elbert and La Plata Peak, where steep alpine valleys like Echo Canyon and La Plata Basin descend toward the glacial basins below. The hydrologic network is centered on Lake Creek, which feeds the lower reservoir system, while remote alpine water bodies such as Crystal Lake and Willis Lake remain tucked into the high cirques. Notable for recreation and transit, the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail winds along the eastern ridges, passing Lily Pond and the Cozart Reservoir, illustrating the modern management of these wilderness areas for both conservation and water resources.