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2013 Map of Porter Mountain

Name: 2013 Topographic Map of Porter Mountain
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2013
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2013

About this map

Grand Mesa National Forest and Gunnison National Forest define this high-altitude landscape along the border of Mesa and Delta Counties. The topography is dominated by the massive profile of Grand Mesa, where plateaus like Plateau Park and Wagon Park sit thousands of feet above the surrounding valleys. A complex network of water management features, including the Elizabeth Ditch, Castle-Ditch, and Carnahan-Ditch Number 1, highlights the critical role of irrigation and water rights in this western environment.

Evidence of human activity is concentrated in cattle management and recreation rather than permanent settlements, as seen at the Owens Creek Corral. A dense system of trails, such as the Monument Trail 2518.0 and Porter Mountain Trail 2534.0, connects landmarks like Porter Mountain and Elk Lake. The map reveals a land utilized for its natural resources and water storage, anchored by features like McKelvie Reservoir and the high elevations of The Flat Tops.