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1956 Map of Spicer Peak

Name: 1956 Topographic Map of Spicer Peak
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1958
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1958

About this map

The Continental Divide carves through this high-altitude landscape in Jackson and Grand Counties, marking the boundary between the Routt National Forest and Arapaho National Forest. The 1950s terrain is defined by the Rabbit Ears Range, with prominent peaks like Ironclad Mountain and Spicer Peak rising above a network of alpine ranching operations. The settlement of Spicer serves as a local hub near several family-named properties, including the Chas Murphy Ranch, Van Valkenburg Ranch, and Bailey Ranch.

A complex irrigation and water management system is evident through numerous reservoirs such as Hecla Reservoir, West Arapaho Reservoir, and Mexican Res. These water sources, combined with the headwaters of Grizzly Creek and Mexican Creek, support the high-country grazing lands that dominated the local economy during this era. Traceable routes over the divide via Arapaho Pass offer insight into the historical connectivity between these remote mountain valleys.