For the basemap, I spliced paper copies of the four USGS 7.5
minute topos (you can see where they join in section 36, at about the
center of the map). These USGS quads are based on aerial photos from
about 1975, and many of the roads and trails have changed since then.
I scanned this paper map, and then in Photoshop I highlighted or
added some additional information. In areas where the map was
outdated, I tried to draw in the routes using my best estimation,
based on my visit in 1998.
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Marshall Pass Road
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Passenger vehicle access during warmer months. Connects
to the west with US 50 at Sargents, and to the east with US
285 south of Poncha Springs.
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Continental Divide Trail / Colorado Trail
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Two hiking trails which happen to coincide through this
area. Note that there are two parking areas for access to
these trails - one where the northern segment connects with
Marshall Pass Road, and another where the southern segment
connects. The south (or west) parking area is the one
actually located at the Marshall Pass summit, and it is the
one which provides access to Headwaters Hill.
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Logging access road
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Open to public vehicles during certain periods of the
year, as specified by Gunnison National Forest. Always open
for use as a hiking trail, although one should watch for
logging trucks. This road joins with the Continental Divide
/ Colorado Trail at a point about two miles south of
Marshall Pass. The elevation profile up to this point is
easier to hike than the Continental Divide / Colorado Trail.
South of this junction, the road coincides with the trail
for a short distance, and then branches off to the east.
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Silver Creek backpacking trail
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The map shows where this trail connects with the
Continental Divide / Colorado Trail. East of there, it
connects with the Rainbow Trail and the O'Haver Lake
area.
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Four wheel drive track
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This ATV trail connects with the Continental Divide /
Colorado Trail, and is the easiest way to reach the summit
of Headwaters Hill.
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Headwaters Hill
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I've circled the summit; it's the point marked "11862" on
the basemap. This refers to its elevation above sea level,
in feet.
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The boundaries of the National Forests in this area are
defined by watershed boundaries. So, just as Headwaters Hill
is common to three major watersheds, it is also common to
three National Forests. I've indicated these on the map with
the following colors:
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Gunnison/Colorado River watershed
and Gunnison National Forest.
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Arkansas/Mississippi River watershed
and San Isabel National Forest.
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San Luis Closed Basin/Rio Grande watershed
and Rio Grande National Forest.
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