1966 Map of Red Elephant Point

About this map

The White River National Forest defines this high-altitude landscape along the border of Garfield and Rio Blanco counties. The terrain is a complex network of ridges and drainages, where Middle Mountain and Coulter Mesa rise above deep-cut canyons like Red Canyon and Buckskin Gulch. Human presence is marked by seasonal livestock and forestry infrastructure, notably the Bar H L Guard Station and scattered sites like Rifle Creek Cow Camp. The importance of water management and livestock movement in this era is evident through the extensive Ute Stock Driveway and the collection of springs and reservoirs, including Howey Reservoir and Trojan Lake. A dense network of a Pack Trail and Jeep Trail routes provides the primary access across Big Mountain and Hay Flat, reflecting a landscape managed for wilderness and grazing rather than permanent settlement.