2013 Map of Pine Cone Knob

About this map

Rio Grande National Forest dominates this high-altitude landscape along the border of Rio Grande and Saguache Counties. The area is defined by a dense network of forest trails and seasonal cattle ranching sites, such as the La Garita Cow Camp and its proximity to Milk Cow Pass. The terrain is punctuated by distinctive geological markers like Pine Cone Knob, Cyclone Mountain, and the massive Cathedral Rock, which looms near the Cathedral Campground. Drainage patterns in this part of the San Juan Mountains are complex, with waters flowing through Shorty Gulch and Pine Cone Gulch into major tributaries like Embargo Creek and Baughman Creek. The presence of the small settlement of Embargo and numerous springs, including High Spring and Shorty Spring, suggests the critical importance of water access for both the grazing industry and backcountry travel in this part of Colorado.