1973 Map of Pryor Creek

About this map

The Uncompahgre National Forest dominates this Colorado landscape, straddling the county line between Ouray and Montrose. The area is defined by a complex network of seasonal watercourses and high-altitude administrative sites, notably the Silesca Guard Sta and Donley Camp near Silesca Pond. Historical transport routes are a primary focus, featuring the Old Paradox Road and the prominent Divide Road along the southwestern ridges. The mapping reflects a period of intensive land management by the U. S. Forest Service, documenting the intricate drainage systems of Pryor Creek and the multiple branches of Spring Creek. For local historians and land use researchers, the transition from heavy-duty vehicle routes like the Transfer Road 5 Mi. to more primitive Pack Trails and Jeep Roads provides clear insight into the accessibility and usage of this mountain territory in the early 1970s.