2016 Map of Rito Alto Peak

About this map

Rito Alto Peak stands at the heart of this high-altitude landscape, where the boundary between Rio Grande National Forest and San Isabel National Forest follows the crest of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This 2016 survey documents a dense network of alpine trails and high-mountain basins, reflecting a region defined by recreational access and protected wilderness. Significant water features like S Crestone Lake, Cherry Lake, and San Isabel Lake are scattered throughout the peaks, feeding various forks of San Isabel Cr and N Fork Crestone Cr. The presence of Hermit Pass and Hermit Peak suggests the historical pathways used to traverse these steep ridges. Down in the lower elevations, drainage features such as Dimick Gulch and Dry Gulch indicate the transition toward the valley floor, while named trails like the Elaine Trail and Comanche Trail provide context for modern land management and historical movement through the range.