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2011 Map of Orphan Butte

Name: 2011 Topographic Map of Orphan Butte
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2011
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2011

About this map

The Dolores River cuts through the northern reach of this 2011 survey, winding past the Truelson Ranch and several draws and gulches. The landscape is defined by its complex drainage network and water management, featuring high-altitude catchments like the Last Chance Reservoir, Park Reservoir, and Ridgetop Reservoir. Toward the south, the terrain descends into the Bear Creek Basin, where the Gold Run Trailhead provides access to the backcountry near Grindstone Lake.

Named topographical landmarks such as Orphan Butte, Devil Point, and the curiously titled Cape of Good Hope suggest a rugged geography that has long challenged travelers. The map traces numerous forest roads, including RD 435 and RD 436, which follow the contours of the Roaring Forks Creek and Little Bear Creek canyons. These routes reveal a modern interface with a wilderness once defined by isolated ranches and remote water sources.