1953 Map of Sweetwater Gap

About this map

The Continental Divide crests through this high-altitude section of the Wind River Range, marking the boundary between the Shoshone National Forest and the Bridger National Forest. Surveyed in the early 1950s, the map reveals a complex glacial landscape where the Sweetwater River and Middle Fork Popo Agie River originate from numerous alpine basins. These waters are fed by clustered tarns such as the Deep Creek Lakes, Ice Lakes, and the Stough Creek Lakes. The terrain is punctuated by high points like Mt Nystrom and the prominent Wind River Peak, while the strategic Sweetwater Gap provides a natural passage through the sawtooth ridges. Early backcountry access is documented through the Pinto Park Trail and Shoshone Trail, which navigate between open meadows like Three Forks Park and Johnson Meadow.