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1963 Map of Wheeler Peak

Name: 1963 Topographic Map of Wheeler Peak
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1974
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1974

About this map

Wheeler Peak stands as the centerpiece of this high-altitude survey, marking the topographic summit of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The landscape is defined by the sharp convergence of glacial cirques and deep canyons, where the Carson National Forest meets the established boundaries of the Taos Pueblo. Within this alpine environment, numerous glacial tarns such as Williams Lake, Horseshoe Lake, and Blue Lake provide the headwaters for the Rio Hondo and Rio Lucero.

Evidence of historical land use is visible at the settlement of Twining, positioned near high-elevation Mines and the La Cal Basin. The map also delineates complex land tenure via the Antoine Leroux Grant Boundary, illustrating how old Spanish land grants persisted alongside federal wilderness designations. A network of primitive transport, including the Pack Trail and Jeep Trail, connects remote outposts like Ditch Cabin and Blue Lake Cabin through the high passes.