Published in 1980 from survey data gathered in 1962, the United States Geological Survey’s “Edwards” quadrangle captures a pivotal mountain landscape in central Colorado at the precise and revealing scale of 1:24,000. Centered on the communities of Edwards and Avon, the map presents the Eagle River corridor as it threads through a rugged Rocky Mountain setting of steep slopes, tributary drainages, roads, trails, and developing settlement. Its original title, “Edwards,” is modest, yet the sheet records a region on the cusp of transformation, when ranching landscapes, mountain travel routes, and small valley towns were increasingly being drawn into the orbit of Colorado’s expanding ski and recreation economy.

The USGS brought to this map the disciplined visual language that made its topographic quadrangles indispensable to engineers, land managers, hikers, planners, and historians. Founded to provide authoritative scientific information about America’s landscapes, resources, and hazards, the Survey combined field observation, aerial photography, geodetic control, and refined cartographic drafting to create maps of exceptional clarity. In “Edwards,” that institutional precision is evident in the carefully graded contour lines, measured elevation points, and standardized symbols for roads, trails, watercourses, and built features. The result is not merely a navigational document, but a scientific portrait of terrain, translating the complex structure of the Colorado Rockies into an elegant and legible system.

The map’s topographic character is especially compelling. Contour lines crowd tightly along the steeper mountain flanks and open across gentler benches and valley floors, revealing the dramatic relief that defines the Edwards and Avon area. The Eagle River forms a natural organizing spine, its valley providing passage through the mountains while side drainages cut down from higher country. Trails and roads trace practical routes through this demanding terrain, reflecting both longstanding patterns of movement and the increasing importance of recreational access. Elevation markings help the viewer understand the scale of the landscape, where seemingly short distances on the map may represent arduous climbs through broken ridges, forested slopes, and alpine foothills.

Edwards and Avon, now strongly associated with outdoor recreation and proximity to major ski destinations, appear here during an important era in their modern development. The 1962 survey data preserves the geography of the valley before later decades brought intensified resort growth, expanded transportation infrastructure, and more visible residential and commercial change. Avon’s location near the emerging ski culture of the Vail Valley gives the map particular historical resonance, while Edwards reflects the quieter settlement pattern of a mountain community tied to river, road, and surrounding open land. Seen today, the quadrangle offers a valuable snapshot of land use, access, and terrain before the region’s full emergence as a luxury mountain destination.

Visually, “Edwards” embodies the refined practicality of mid-twentieth-century American topographic mapping. Its restrained color palette separates water, relief, vegetation, transportation, and cultural features without overwhelming the eye, while the contour work gives the sheet its sculptural quality. The inclusion of rivers, trails, roads, protected or managed lands, and elevation information allows the landscape to be read in layers: natural form, human movement, and evolving settlement. For collectors, the map’s appeal lies in this union of beauty and information. It documents a beloved Colorado mountain corridor with scientific precision, while also evoking the romance of exploration, ski-country development, and the enduring allure of the Rocky Mountain West.

Cities, towns and places on this map

• Edwards
• Avon
• Eagle River
• White River
• Various trails
• Roads
• Elevation points
• Parks and protected areas

Historical context & cartographic details

• Published by the United States Geological Survey, or USGS
• Based on survey data from 1962 and published in 1980
• Produced at a scale of 1:24,000
• Shows a Colorado Rocky Mountain landscape during a period of growing tourism and outdoor recreation
• Reflects the region’s increasing association with skiing and mountain sports
• Features a clear color palette typical of USGS topographic mapping
• Uses contour lines to show elevation changes and mountainous terrain
• Includes symbols for trails, roads, water bodies, valleys, and rivers
• Illustrates land use and geographic features as recorded from mid-20th-century survey data

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.