1960 Map of Thimble Rock

About this map

White River National Forest defines this high-altitude landscape in Pitkin County, characterized by a complex network of pack trails and alpine summits. The topography is dominated by the Williams Mts to the east and Smuggler Mountain to the southwest, with the iconic Thimble Rock standing as a central landmark above Hunter Creek. This 1960 field-checked survey documents a wilderness area prior to the intensive development of nearby ski resorts, showing established backcountry routes like the Woody Pack Trail and Hunter Pack Trail. High basins are dotted with named natural features such as Slab Park, Horse Park, and Deer Park, while drainage systems like No Name Creek and Midway Creek flow toward the Roaring Fork River at the southern edge. The map preserves the names of remote water bodies including Warren Lakes and Sawyer Lake, essential points of reference for early mountaineers and forest rangers.