2016 Map of Rio Grande Pyramid

About this map

The Rio Grande Pyramid rises as a prominent landmark within the high-elevation wilderness where the Rio Grande National Forest and San Juan National Forest meet. This 2016 survey highlights the complex drainage system at the headwaters of the Rio Grande, including Sweetwater Creek and the various branches of Ute Creek. A dense network of paths, such as the Beartown Trail, Ute Trail, and the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, navigates the difficult terrain of the Continental Divide. Prominent geological features like The Window and Rincon La Vaca define the landscape, while numerous alpine water bodies including Ute Lake, Flint Lakes, and Annie Lakes are scattered throughout the basins. The map illustrates a region dedicated to conservation and backcountry recreation, preserved through its inclusion in two national forests across the boundaries of La Plata, San Juan, and Hinsdale counties.