2000 Map of West Fork Lake

About this map

The Continental Divide winds through this high-altitude landscape in Routt National Forest, where the complex drainage systems of the Sierra Madre and Mount Zirkel range define the terrain. At the turn of the millennium, this area remained largely defined by its natural water features and long-distance travel routes. The Hog Park Guard Station stands as a rare human outpost near the northern boundary, while numerous water bodies like West Fork Lake, Manzanares Lake, and the Sanders Lakes are scattered across the alpine basins. The map illustrates a dense network of high-country paths, including the Hahns Peak-Bears Ears National Scenic Trail and the Wyoming Trail, which follow the ridgelines and creek valleys. This survey documents the intersection of multiple drainage basins, such as the West Fork Encampment River and Little Big Red Creek, providing a detailed look at the hydrology before these headwaters join larger river systems.