Published in 1988 from base data collected in 1960, the US Geological Survey’s “Highland Peak” captures a compelling moment in the high country of central Colorado. Drawn at the intimate 1:24,000 scale, it presents Snowmass Village and its surrounding terrain with the precision and restraint characteristic of USGS topographic mapping. The map records a landscape on the cusp of transformation: Snowmass, now synonymous with alpine leisure and resort development, appears within a rugged mountain setting still defined by ridgelines, drainages, forested slopes, and access routes. Its title, “Highland Peak,” anchors the sheet in the commanding geography of the Rockies, where elevation, exposure, and watershed shape every road, trail, and settlement.

The cartography is a classic expression of twentieth-century American topographic design. Brown contour lines articulate the rise and fall of the mountains with fine, rhythmic detail, while green shading distinguishes forested or lower-elevation areas and blue marks the lakes and watercourses that thread through the valleys. This restrained palette allows the terrain itself to dominate, transforming the map into both a practical survey document and a visual study of relief. The 1:24,000 scale is especially evocative in mountainous country, revealing minor ridges, saddles, draws, and basins that would disappear on broader regional maps. Around Highland Peak, the dense pattern of contours conveys the abrupt verticality and dramatic landforms of the Colorado Rockies.

Snowmass Village gives the map particular historical resonance. In the decades after the 1960 survey data was gathered, the area evolved from a relatively quiet mountain setting into one of Colorado’s prominent ski destinations. The map therefore preserves the geography underlying that transformation: valleys suited to access, slopes that would invite recreation, and forested public lands that framed development. Roads and trails appear as delicate human traces within a much larger alpine environment, suggesting the balance between settlement and wilderness that has long defined the region. For collectors, this sheet offers more than topographic information; it records the early spatial context of a resort community before its modern identity fully matured.

The surrounding presence of White River National Forest and nearby wilderness lands situates the map within one of the most celebrated public landscapes in the American West. Established to protect watersheds, timber resources, wildlife habitat, and recreational access, the national forest forms a vast green matrix around Snowmass and Highland Peak. The map’s depiction of trails, water bodies, mountain slopes, and forest boundaries evokes the multiple uses of this terrain: skiing, hiking, hunting, grazing, conservation, and scientific survey. Lakes and streams, though understated in blue, are vital elements in this alpine environment, feeding larger river systems and shaping the patterns of vegetation and access across the high country.

As a work of the US Geological Survey, “Highland Peak” reflects a tradition of meticulous national mapping that began in the nineteenth century and became indispensable to land management, engineering, recreation, and environmental understanding. USGS quadrangles were designed to be authoritative, legible, and durable records of place, bringing scientific exactitude to even the most remote corners of the country. In this map, that institutional clarity meets the grandeur of Colorado’s mountain terrain. The result is a richly informative portrait of ridges, valleys, forests, and emerging resort geography. It is a distinguished piece for anyone drawn to Rocky Mountain history, Snowmass Village, alpine cartography, or the evolving relationship between wilderness and recreation.

Cities, towns and places on this map

• Snowmass Village
• Highland Peak
• National Forest
• White River National Forest
• Wilderness Areas
• Lakes
• Roads
• Trails

Historical context & cartographic details

• Historical 1:24,000 topographical map showing Snowmass Village, Colorado and the surrounding area
• Produced by the US Geological Survey
• Base data collected in 1960; published in 1988
• Snowmass Village is shown as a notable ski resort area that has seen significant development over time
• Uses standard topographic coloring, including green for lower elevations and brown contour lines for higher altitudes
• Depicts rugged Rocky Mountain terrain, including mountains, valleys, and water bodies
• Highlights the transformation of Snowmass Village from a relatively undeveloped area into a popular tourist destination

Looking for a particular place? Review the detailed images to confirm that the town, landmark or feature you have in mind appears on the map. If you are unsure, ask our workshop to check before you order.

Detailed maps are especially rewarding at larger sizes, where names, boundaries and decorative features have more room to be appreciated. Use the close-up preview and size guide to choose the right scale for your wall.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

Where personalisation is available, you can add a short title or dedication, mark one meaningful place, or request one considered visual detail. See personalised map examples.

Every piece is printed to museum-grade archival standards using fade-resistant pigment inks on acid-free matte paper. Choose an unframed map print, framed map or canvas using the finish options above. Framed maps use crystal-clear optical acrylic and arrive ready to hang.

With its rich detail and strong sense of place, this map makes a considered gift for a new home, anniversary, retirement or anyone with a personal connection to the area shown. Still deciding? Explore our collection of rare old and vintage maps to discover another place, period or style.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.