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2022 Map of Pearl Pass

Name: 2022 Topographic Map of Pearl Pass
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2022
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2022

About this map

The Elk Mountains form the backbone of this high-altitude survey, straddling the boundary between the Gunnison National Forest and White River National Forest. At the heart of the terrain is Pearl Pass, an essential mountain crossing flanked by Pearl Mtn and Carbonate Hill. The landscape is defined by its dramatic peaks, including Star Peak, Taylor Peak, and the distinctive Italian Mtn to the east.

Water systems originate from these heights, with the Taylor River and various forks like Middle Brush Cr and Cement Cr carving deep drainages. The map reveals a complex network of high-country routes, from the Cement Creek Jeep Trl to the Black And Tackle Trl, illustrating the modern era's focus on backcountry recreation and wilderness management. These trails provide access to remote basins such as Cumberland Basin and Eyre Basin, following the same paths used by early explorers and prospectors in the Pitkin and Gunnison high country.