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1957 Map of Trail Mountain

Name: 1957 Topographic Map of Trail Mountain
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1978
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1978

About this map

The waters of Lake Granby and the Willow Creek Reservoir define this mid-century landscape in Grand County, where irrigation and recreation began to reshape traditional ranching lands. This 1957 field-checked survey highlights the complex water management system through features like the Red Top Ditch and Bunte Highline Ditch, which redirected mountain runoff for agricultural use. Local history is anchored by several named homesteads, including the Slash J Slash Ranch, Miller Hereford Ranch, and Lazy U Ranch, illustrating the area's legacy of high-altitude livestock operations.

The topography transitions from the high peaks of Apiatan Mountain and Trail Mountain down to the organized wilderness of the Shadow Mountain National Recreation Area. Within the Arapaho National Forest, evidence of industry and outdoor sport appears through a Lumber Camp and a Ski Lift, while the Colorado River flows along the southern boundary, marked by essential infrastructure like the Pumping Station and Gaging Station.