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2016 Map of Orphan Butte

Name: 2016 Topographic Map of Orphan Butte
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2016
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2016

About this map

The San Juan National Forest covers this high-altitude landscape along the border of Montezuma and La Plata counties. Central to the topography is Orphan Butte, a prominent landmark situated above a complex network of drainages and seasonal water sources such as Ridge Top Reservoir and Last Chance Reservoir. The northwestern corner is defined by the Dolores River and its nearby tributaries like Wildcat Cr and Silver Draw.

Tracing the movement through these mountains, the map reveals an extensive system of pack trails and forest roads including the Highline Trail / Colorado Trail and the Grindstone Loop Trail. Named points like Echo Park, Devil Point, and the Cape of Good Hope suggest a history of local nomenclature and land use. The presence of the Wallace Ranch provides a rare point of private settlement amidst the public forest lands.