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1971 Map of Spanish Peaks

Name: 1971 Topographic Map of Spanish Peaks
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1974
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1974

About this map

The dramatic elevations of the San Isabel National Forest are anchored by the towering summits of East Spanish Peak and West Spanish Peak. This 1971 survey captures a landscape defined by deep drainages like Schultz Canyon and Dry Canyon, where steep topography dictated early land use. Evidence of educational and community life is found at the Wahatoya Sch and the Santa Fe Trail Council Camp, while the Bulls Eye Mine and various Prospect markings indicate the area's mineral exploration history.

Water sources were vital for local survival, noted by named points such as McDonald Spring and Bear Lake. The southern boundary of the map follows the divide between Huerfano Co and Las Animas Co, showing how political lines were often drawn along these high-altitude ridges. Notable landmarks like Lovers Leap and the Big Wall provide reference points for navigating the complex system of Trail and Jeep Trail routes that cross the terrain.