Loading map...

2016 Map of Whale Hill

Name: 2016 Topographic Map of Whale Hill
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2016
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2016

About this map

Rio Grande National Forest and San Isabel National Forest dominate this high-altitude landscape in Saguache County, where the Continental Divide separates vast drainage basins. The area is defined by sharp vertical relief, with prominent summits including Whale Hill, Mt Manitou, and Elkhorn Peak providing distinct landmarks. A network of gulches such as Rawley Gulch, Copper Gulch, and Chloride Gulch cut through the terrain, historically associated with the region's mineral exploration.

Logistics across this territory are managed via established routes like the Kelly Creek Trail and the Cottonwood Creek Trail, which follow the natural contours of the mountain passes. The eastern edge of the quadrangle descends toward the valley floor, where San Luis Cr flows near Co RD 57. This map documents a wilderness interface where national forest boundaries meet the rugged topography of the Sawatch Range.