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1963 Map of Placita

Name: 1963 Topographic Map of Placita
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1984
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1984

About this map

Crystal River carves through this high-altitude landscape on the border of Pitkin and Gunnison counties, anchoring the small settlement of Placita. The area is defined by the intersection of the White River National Forest and Gunnison National Forest, where resource extraction and recreation meet. Industrial activity is evident at the Dutch Creek Mine and several other mines near the river, while a Drill Hole in Coal Basin suggests the geological exploration of the era.

Elevations reach dramatic heights at Huntsman Mountain and along Huntsman Ridge, dropping into drainages like South Thompson Creek and Dutch Creek. A Jeep Trail navigates the high country near Island Lake, providing a look at the primitive infrastructure used to access these remote peaks before later developments. The presence of a Gaging Sta and Hayes Creek Falls highlights the importance of water management and natural landmarks in this mountain corridor.