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1963 Map of Orphan Butte

Name: 1963 Topographic Map of Orphan Butte
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1991
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1991

About this map

Dolores River headwaters and the deeply incised canyons of the San Juan National Forest define this 1963 survey of the border between Montezuma and La Plata counties. The landscape is a network of historical transit routes, from the Old Railroad Grade following the river to high-altitude cattle paths like the Stock Driveway and Lost Canyon Stock Driveway. Evidence of early settlement is concentrated near the river, notably at Trueblood Ranch and the nearby School House.

Physical landmarks such as Orphan Butte, Devil Point, and the Cape of Good Hope overlook a complex drainage system including Roaring Forks Creek and Grindstone Creek. The map documents the high-country infrastructure of the mid-20th century, where pack trails like the Highline Trail and Gold Run Trail provided essential access for ranching and forestry across the rugged terrain of Indian Ridge and Echo Park.