Loading map...

2011 Map of Rio Grande Pyramid

Name: 2011 Topographic Map of Rio Grande Pyramid
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2011
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2011

About this map

The high-altitude watershed of the Rio Grande takes center stage in this 2011 survey of the Weminuche Wilderness area. Dominated by the soaring peak of the Rio Grande Pyramid, the terrain is defined by a complex network of glacial basins and alpine drainage systems. The landscape is carved by the headwaters of Ute Creek, which branches into its West, Middle, and East forks, each feeding a series of high-mountain lakes including West Ute Lake, Middle Ute Lake, and Ute Lake.

Strategic ridges such as Indian Ridge and Ute Ridge separate these drainage basins, while unique geological formations like The Window offer distinctive landmarks for those navigating the high country. To the south, the deep glacial cirques of Rincon La Vaca and Rincon La Osa demonstrate the erosive forces that shaped this portion of the San Juan Mountains. The map also documents the remote Flint Lakes and Annie Lakes, tucked into the high southwestern corners of the quadrangle.