1962 Map of West Fork Lake

About this map

Routt National Forest dominates this high-altitude landscape along the border of Jackson and Routt counties during the early 1960s. The area is defined by the Continental Divide, which separates the headwaters of the West Fork Encampment River and the Middle Fork Little Snake River. This topographical study, prepared for the development of the Missouri River Basin, reveals a wilderness utilized for seasonal grazing and high-country transit. A network of Jeep Trails and a designated Stock Driveway indicate the movement of livestock and people through the Sierra Madre range. Notable water features include Manzanares Lake, West Fork Lake, and the Sanchez Lakes nestled in the southeastern reaches. The lack of permanent structures and the reliance on features like the Fire Line and West Fork Meadows underscore the remote, resource-managed character of this high Colorado terrain.