2019 Map of Twin Mountains SE

About this map

The eastern edges of the Rio Grande National Forest dominate this high-altitude landscape, where deep drainages like Coolbroth Canyon and Lunch Gulch transition into the flatter San Luis Valley floor. The terrain is marked by distinctive rock formations such as Eagle Rock and Elephant Rocks, alongside a network of specialized recreational paths including the Penitente Canyon Trail, Sunshine Kitty, and Blue Sky Loop. Evidence of high-desert water management is visible through the Rio Grande Canal and scattered water sources like Barrel Spring and Shaw Springs. To the north, the topographic squeeze of Hellgate guides Carnero Creek, while the central portion of the map shows the transition to ranching operations centered around the La Garita Creek Ranch Airport. This 2019 survey documents a landscape balancing forest preservation, ranching, and modern recreational use.