1964 Map of Rio Grande Pyramid

About this map

The Continental Divide dictates the flow of water across this high-elevation landscape in the mid-1960s, separating the headwaters of the Rio Grande from the basins of the San Juan National Forest. Centered on the iconic peak of Rio Grande Pyramid, the map details a remote wilderness accessed primarily by a network of trails such as the Pack Trail and a rugged Jeep Trail. Glacial activity is evident in the cluster of alpine water bodies, including Ute Lake, Flint Lakes, and the Twin Lakes. The terrain is characterized by sharp relief and steep drainages like Starvation Gulch and La Vaca Rincon. This survey documents the area before modern wilderness designations fully codified the land use, showing the primary transport routes along Ute Creek and its various forks that supported early backcountry exploration and resource management.