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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

East Spanish Peak and West Spanish Peak dominate this 1970s topographic study of the Sangre de Cristo foothills within the San Isabel National Forest. The map documents a rugged landscape defined by massive geological formations like Big Wall and Lovers Leap, where the complex drainage system of Wahatoya Creek and Bear Creek carves through the terrain. The presence of the Bulls Eye Mine and various Prospect sites near the Huerfano and Las Animas county line highlights the area's history of mineral exploration.

Local education and community landmarks are represented by the Wahatoya School, Wahatoya Camp, and the Santa Fe Trail Council Camp. The transportation network of the era is remarkably diverse, featuring the Wahatoya Trail, established pack trails, and several jeep trails that navigate the steep elevations. Notable localized features such as the Grave near McDonald Spring provide specific points of interest for genealogists and local historians exploring the human footprint in these high-altitude canyons.