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2013 Map of Wagon Wheel Gap

Name: 2013 Topographic Map of Wagon Wheel Gap
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2013
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2013

About this map

The Rio Grande carves through a narrow corridor in this 2013 Mineral County survey, anchored by the iconic Wagon Wheel Gap narrows. This landscape is defined by its extreme vertical relief, where the valley floor quickly gives way to high-elevation features like McClelland Mountain and Ute Peak. The map provides a look at modern land use in the Rio Grande National Forest, showing the proximity of private holdings like Phipps Ranch and Wagon Wheel Ranch to public recreational sites such as the Palisade Campground.

Transportation through this high-altitude terrain is limited to the winding path of State Hwy 149 and a network of backcountry routes. Notable trails such as the Farmers Creek Trail 801 and West Bellows Trail 871 provide access to the high basins of Silver Park and Blue Park. The dramatic geology of the Rio Grande Palisades dominates the central portion of the sheet, where several tributaries, including Goose Creek and Bellows Cr, converge with the river.