1970 Map of Vail Pass

About this map

The high alpine terrain of the Gore Range dominates this 1970s survey, where the border of the White River National Forest and Arapaho National Forest follows the jagged ridgeline. This era marks a significant point in the region's transition from early mining and ranching toward its modern role as a recreation and transportation corridor. The settlement at Wheeler Junction sits near the confluence of Tenmile Creek and West Tenmile Creek, adjacent to the sweeping area of Wheeler Flats. Evidence of earlier industrial utility is visible through the Tenmile Pipeline and scattered Mines near Uneva Lake. Historic routes such as the Wheeler Trail and Shrine Pass provide a record of how this high-altitude landscape was navigated before the intensification of modern highway infrastructure through Vail Pass.