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1956 Map of Spicer Peak

Name: 1956 Topographic Map of Spicer Peak
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1973
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1973

About this map

The Continental Divide anchors this high-elevation landscape in the mid-1950s, defining the boundary between Jackson and Grand Counties. The terrain is characterized by a sophisticated network of irrigation ditches, including the Mexican, Arapaho, and Eureka, which diverted water from tributaries like Grizzly Creek and Martin Creek to support high-altitude ranching. These waterways were vital for the local economy, feeding several family operations such as the West Home Ranch, Van Valkenburg Ranch, and three distinct Murphy properties, including the Murphy Desert Ranch.

Prominent summits such as Spicer Peak and Ironclad Mountain rise above the Arapaho National Forest, while transit across the Rabbit Ears Range is marked by Arapaho Pass. This era's infrastructure is further detailed through features like the Gravel Pit and several man-made catchments, including Hecla Reservoir and West Arapaho Reservoir, which illustrate the intensive water management required in this part of the Colorado Rockies.