2019 Map of Snowdon Peak

About this map

The Animas River corridor near Needleton serves as a central artery through this high-altitude landscape, where the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge RR tracks follow the river's path through the deep valley. This 2019 survey documents the complex topography of the San Juan National Forest, highlighting the dramatic vertical rise from the river basin to prominent summits like Snowdon Peak, Twilight Peak, and Pigeon Peak. The area is a nexus of alpine recreation and passage, centered on Molas Pass and the Molas - Co Trail. Numerous high-country water bodies, including Andrews Lake, Molas Lake, and Crater Lake, are scattered across the terrain, reflecting the glaciated history of the West Needle Mountains and the Grenadier Range. The map captures the intersection of early industrial rail engineering with modern forest management and backcountry trails.