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1955 Map of Skyway

Name: 1955 Topographic Map of Skyway
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1957
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1957

About this map

The high plateau of Grand Mesa National Forest dominates this mid-century landscape, revealing a complex network of high-altitude water management and recreational development. A dense cluster of reservoirs and lakes, including Mesa Lakes, Jumbo Reservoir, and Sunset Lake, highlights the importance of the area for both irrigation and leisure. The presence of the Mesa Lakes Ranger Station and various campgrounds like Glacier Spring Campground indicates a well-established forestry and tourism infrastructure by the 1950s.

Evidence of the region's agricultural and ranching history is found in remote outposts such as the Beaser Homestead (Aband) and several cattle-rearing sites like Bull Creek Cow Camp. The mapping of a Ski Tow near the lakes suggests the early growth of winter sports in this part of Colorado. Navigating the terrain is facilitated by the Lands End Road and historic footpaths like the High Trail, which connect the reservoirs and camps across the Mesa and Delta county lines.