Published in 1988 using survey data from 1970, the U.S. Geological Survey’s “Dillon” quadrangle captures a pivotal mountain landscape in central Colorado at a moment when recreation, infrastructure, and conservation were reshaping Summit County. Centered on the town of Dillon and the broad waters of Dillon Reservoir, the map records the meeting of alpine terrain and modern development with the precision characteristic of USGS topographic work. At 1:24,000 scale, the cartography renders the region in intimate detail: contour lines tighten around steep slopes, ease across valley floors, and trace the dramatic relief that defines the Blue River country. The result is both a practical geographic document and an evocative portrait of a high-country community bound to water, roads, mountains, and changing land use.

Dillon itself occupies a historically resonant place in Colorado’s geography. The present town was relocated in the mid-twentieth century to accommodate the creation of Dillon Reservoir, a major water-storage project serving Denver and the Front Range. On this map, that engineered lake dominates the scene, its blue expanse set against the rugged mountain forms that surround it. The reservoir is not merely a scenic feature; it represents the complex relationship between Colorado’s mountain watersheds and the urban populations downstream. Nearby Silverthorne appears along the Blue River corridor, while Keystone lies to the east, already part of the expanding recreational identity of the region. Together these settlements illustrate the transformation of Summit County from mining and ranching landscapes into a center for skiing, tourism, and mountain living.

The map’s topographic language is especially compelling in its depiction of the surrounding ranges. Buffalo Mountain, the Tenmile Range, and numerous unnamed ridges and peaks rise from the valleys in closely spaced contour intervals, revealing slopes, saddles, drainages, and high basins with remarkable clarity. The eye can follow the Blue River as it threads through the valley system, or trace the climbs from lake shore to alpine crest. Roads, trails, and forested areas are integrated into the terrain rather than imposed upon it, emphasizing how movement through this landscape is governed by elevation and watershed. The design reflects classic USGS discipline: clean linework, restrained color, and a visual hierarchy that allows mountains, water, and human routes to be read simultaneously.

Transportation is one of the map’s quietly important themes. U.S. Highway 6 and Colorado State Highway 9 appear as vital arteries through an otherwise demanding alpine environment, linking Dillon, Silverthorne, Keystone, and the broader network of Colorado mountain towns. These routes were essential not only for residents but also for the growing stream of visitors drawn to skiing, hiking, boating, and high-country scenery. In the decades surrounding the map’s survey and publication, Summit County experienced significant recreational growth, and this quadrangle preserves the geography underlying that change. The roads bend with valleys and skirt reservoir margins, demonstrating how infrastructure adapted to terrain rather than overpowering it. The map therefore offers a concise study in mountain access, settlement, and the practical realities of movement across the Rockies.

Produced by the U.S. Geological Survey, the “Dillon” map belongs to a distinguished tradition of American scientific cartography. The USGS was founded to provide reliable knowledge of the nation’s land, resources, and hazards, and its quadrangle maps became indispensable tools for planners, engineers, hikers, land managers, and historians alike. Here, that mission is evident in the careful rendering of elevation, hydrography, transportation, and public lands, including nearby forests and wilderness-associated terrain such as the Eagle’s Nest region. The 1970 survey date makes the map particularly valuable for understanding the landscape before later waves of resort expansion and conservation planning further altered the area. It is a richly layered document: part mountain portrait, part infrastructure record, and part historical snapshot of Colorado’s evolving high country.

Cities, towns and places on this map

• Dillon, Colorado
• Dillon Reservoir / Lake Dillon
• Blue River
• Silverthorne
• Keystone
• US Highway 6
• Colorado State Highway 9
• Eagle’s Nest Wilderness
• Buffalo Mountain
• Tenmile Range
• Several unnamed peaks and ridges
• Various trails and roads
• Nearby forests and natural areas

Historical context & cartographic details

• Historical 1:24,000 topographical map of Dillon, Colorado and the surrounding area
• Created using survey data from 1970 and published with a 1988 imprint
• Produced by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
• Features a traditional topographic layout with contour lines showing elevation and terrain shape
• Uses color to distinguish elevation levels and water bodies, following standard topographic conventions
• Shows varied mountainous terrain with contours and shading representing elevation, slopes, and valleys
• Reflects 1970s-era exploration and development in Colorado
• Useful for understanding land use changes and geographic transformations related to recreation and conservation

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.