2011 Map of Spicer Peak

About this map

Spicer serves as a focal point in this high-altitude landscape, where the headwaters of Arapaho Creek and Grizzly Creek are harnessed by a sophisticated network of gravity-fed irrigation. The map reveals an intricate water management system designed for ranching, featuring numerous ditches such as the Larsen Ditch, Eureka Ditch, and Titantic Ditch. These diversions support several established family operations including the Van Valkenburg Ranch, Chas Murphy Ranch, and West Home Ranch. To the south and west, the terrain rises into the Rabbit Ears Range, marked by notable summits like Ironclad Mountain and Spicer Peak. This 2011 survey documents a rugged ranching economy dependent on high-country runoff collected in reservoirs like Mexican Reservoir and West Arapahoe Reservoir, showcasing how the natural drainage of Arapaho Pass has been redirected for agricultural use.