1955 Map of Mount Ethel

About this map

The Continental Divide defines the spine of this high-country landscape, where the Mount Zirkel Wilderness and Routt National Forest meet at the border of Routt and Jackson Counties. The map reveals a high-altitude water system dominated by numerous glacial lakes including Lake Katherine, Wolverine Lake, and Rainbow Lake. Evidence of early Forest Service management is seen at the Seedhouse Guard Station and Grizzly Guard Station. To the east, the terrain transitions into ranching land along the drainage basins of Morey Draw and Manville Draw. The concentration of family-named holdings such as Carlstrom Bros Ranch, Irvin Brands Ranch, and Irvine Ranch near the Butler Sch illustrates the localized economy of the mid-20th century Colorado ranching frontier.