2022 Map of Platte Canyon

About this map

The confluence of the North Fork South Platte River and the South Platte River forms the geographic heart of this landscape, a region defined by dramatic granite outcrops and the steep canyons of the Pike National Forest. Historically significant nodes like South Platte, Foxton, and Longview are situated along these primary watercourses, marking the legacy of mountain rail and road corridors that once facilitated travel through the Front Range. The terrain is characterized by massive formations such as Dome Rock, Chair Rocks, and Eagle Rock, which rise above the deeply incised Cottonwood Gulch and Elkhorn Gulch. Extensive trail networks, including the Waterton Canyon Trl and Saddle Mountain TRL, reflect the transition from early resource access to modern recreational use. This survey details the complex topography where the Rampart Range meets the river forks at the Jefferson and Douglas County line.