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2011 Map of South Fork West

Name: 2011 Topographic Map of South Fork West
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2011
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2011

About this map

The Rio Grande and its southern fork dominate this mountainous landscape, carving through the dramatic Palisades and deep-cut canyons. This 2011 survey captures the development of South Fork and its surrounding communities, where irrigation remains a critical element of land management as seen in the Southfork-Highline Ditch and Church Ditch. The presence of several established recreational and residential sites, including Masonic Park, Model T Park, and the Riverside Ranch, illustrates the area's transition toward a seasonal and retreat-oriented economy.

Water infrastructure is prominent across the quadrangle, with the Elk Creek Number 1 Reservoir and its associated dam situated near the valley floor. High-altitude drainages like West Alder Creek, Trout Creek, and Haney Canyon feed into the river system, while the South Fork Campgrounds provide localized access to the wooded slopes. The map also traces a network of backcountry routes such as the Timberline Trl and Alder Creek Trl, which connect the settled valley to the higher peaks like Sentinel Peak.