1954 Map of West Elk Peak SW

About this map

Gunnison National Forest dominates this mid-century topographic study, revealing a landscape defined by sharp drainage basins and high-elevation gulches. The terrain is deeply incised by watercourses such as West Elk Creek and Willow Creek, with the map detailing the complex network of intermittent streams and forks that feed the larger Gunnison river system. Notable landmarks like Tenderfoot Hill and Dillon Mesa anchor the southern portion of the sheet, where the high-altitude topography levels out slightly. Historical resource extraction or processing is suggested by the naming of Slab Mill Gulch and Burnt Mill Gulch in the northern sector. The map also traces a series of rugged transport routes, including a Jeep Trail that navigates the steep divide near Deadman Gulch and Frying Pan Creek, providing a look at how this backcountry was accessed before modern development.