1955 Map of Shipman Mountain

About this map

Shipman Mountain dominates the high-altitude divide between the Routt National Forest and Roosevelt National Forest in this mid-1950s survey. The landscape is defined by the sharp vertical contrast between the Medicine Bow Range and the lower-elevation East Sand Hills to the southwest. This map reveals a complex hydraulic system vital to the region's ranching and water management history, including the Lizzie Ditch, William Kerr Ditch, and Medicine Bow Ditch. These man-made channels diverted water from high-country sources like the Canadian River and Sand Creek to sustain operations in the valley. Historical movement through the area is anchored by Ute Pass, while a network of creeks including Jenkins Creek and the North Fork Medicine Bow River carve through the heavily forested mountain slopes.