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1967 Map of South Fork West

Name: 1967 Topographic Map of South Fork West
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1968
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1968

About this map

The Denver and Rio Grande Western railroad corridor follows the winding path of the Rio Grande through this high-altitude landscape during the late 1960s. The settlement of South Fork serves as a central hub where the South Fork Rio Grande joins the main river, a confluence marked by the presence of the Highline Ditch and localized ranching operations like Riverside Ranch and Elk Ranch.

Remote infrastructure within the Rio Grande National Forest is well-documented, including the Alder Guard Station and the South Fork Guard Station. For those studying the historic movement through these mountains, the map details an extensive network of foot and horse paths such as the Raspberry Pack Trail and the Elk Creek Pack Trail. Smaller enclaves like Baxterville and the Masonic Park social grounds offer evidence of the area's mid-century development as a gateway for both industry and wilderness recreation.