2016 Map of Vail Pass

About this map

Wheeler Junction serves as a focal point at the base of the Tenmile Range, marking a significant nexus of alpine transportation and recreation. This 2016 survey documents the high-altitude landscape where the Gore Range meets the developed corridors of the White River National Forest. The map detail captures the modern footprints of Copper Mountain and the steep passage through Vail Pass, contrasted with primitive routes like the Gore Creek Trail and Wheeler National Recreation Trail. Water features are prominent throughout the drainage basins, including the high-elevation Wheeler Lakes and the managed waters of Officers Gulch Pond. The terrain is characterized by dramatic shifts in elevation, from the heights of Uneva Peak down through Union Gulch, illustrating the intersection of natural topography with the infrastructure required for mountain travel and winter sports.