COLORADO OFFICIAL MAPS
Notes:
Some 1938 “red letter” maps have a “Rules of the road” insert pasted over Gov. Ammons photo and message inside. Since Gov. Ammons’ term ended on January 10, 1939, these were most likely given out early in 1939 before the 1939 maps were ready.
The map listed as [c. 1943-45] is not dated, and appears to be a reprint of the 1942 map, with the message and photo of Gov. Carr on the back cover replaced by a poem and mountain scene drawing. Since Gov. Carr’s term ended in Jan. 1943, this map was most likely issued sometime after that date, but before the 1946 map.
Many variations in the highway commissioners listed on the inside cover panels of maps from the 1960s-70s exist; these are not cataloged here.
Many Colorado maps since 1965 have a code in the lower left corner of the opened map. When this code can be used to date the map or differentiate between versions of the map for a single year, it is shown as {#}. “{ }” refers to a blank lower left corner. “dtd code” is used when this code is the only basis for dating the map. In recent years, where the copyright date and the date code differ, the later date is used. A list of the known codes can be accessed at the bottom of this list.
Sponsor(s): Mark Greaves
Latest updates: 9/22/19-added 2012-13 varieties; 10/14/20-added note about hwy comm. variations in heading; 9/28/22-added 2010-11 Educational map
Colorado Maps:
1912; dtd cprt, lgnd (Dec. 1911); no cvr, printed one side only; unfolded 16.5 x 12.25
1914; dtd lgnd (Dec.); no cvr, printed one side only, insert to 1914 State Hwy. Comm. Report; unfolded 19.5 x 15.5
1916; reported by PC (dtd title (Aug); printed one side only)
1919; dtd title (Jul); no cvr, printed one side only; unfolded 28 x 32
1924; reported by PC (printed one side only)
1927; dtd top of map and cprt (July); no cvr; 5 x 10
1930; dtd cvr, bw text cvr with state seal; 4 x 9
1931; dtd cvr; bw text cvr with coat of arms; 4 x 9
1932; dtd cvr; bw text cvr with state seal; 4 x 9
1934; dtd cvr, bw photo of st cptl; 4 x 9
1935; dtd cvr; otherwise same as 1934
1936; dtd cvr; bw photo of car in mtns (3-panel cover); 4 x 9
1937; dtd cvr, bw photo of car approaching bridge on mtn hwy (3-panel cover); 4 x 9
1938; dtd cvr; clr dwg of hwy through mtns, “Colorado’s Highways” in red letters; 4 x 9.25
[2 known versions: {“Colorado’s Highways” in red letters}, {“Colorado’s Highways in outline letters}]
1939; dtd cvr; clr dwg of hwy through pine forest with snowy mtns in bkgrd; 4.25 x 10
1940; dtd cvr; clr photo of people by mtn lake “View from the highway…”; 4.25 x 10
1941; dtd cvr; clr photo “U.S. Route 24 where it passes Pikes Peak”; 5.5 x 8.5
1942; dtd cvr; clr photo “Monarch Pass” (bw photo & message from Gov Carr on back cvr); 5.5 x 8.5
c.1943-45; same as 1942 exc photo & message from Gov. Carr removed
1946; dtd cvr; clr photo of Hagerman Peak; 5.5 x 8.5
1947; dtd cvr; clr photo of Maroon Bells; 5.5 x 8.5
1948; dtd cvr; otherwise same as 1947
1949; dtd cvr; clr photo “The Majesty of Pikes Peak from Garden of the Gods; 5.5 x 8.5
[3 known back cvr versions: {1-1/2 cents postage}, {1-1/2 cents overprinted with 2 cents}, {2 cents postage}]
1950; dtd cvr; clr photo “Scenic grandeur abounds beside smooth highways”; 5.5 x 8.5
1951; dtd cvr; clr photo “Glenwood Canyon”; 5.5 x 8.5
1952; dtd cvr; clr photo “Denver-Boulder Turnpike”; 5.5 x 8.5
1953; dtd cvr; clr photo “Denver-Boulder Turnpike”; 5.5 x 8.5
1954; dtd cvr; clr photo “Autumn splendor brightens the trail”; 5.5 x 8.5
1955; dtd cvr; clr photo “Highways lead to wide open spaces”; 5.5 x 8.5
1956; dtd cvr; clr photo “Inspiring vista from Squaw Mountain”; 5.5 x 8.5
1957; dtd cvr; clr photo “Fall Aspen at Bear Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park”; 5.5 x 8.5
1958; dtd cvr; clr photo “Through wide open spaces toward the Collegiate Peaks”; 5.5 x 8.5
1959; dtd cvr; clr photo “Monarch Pass”; 5.5 x 8.5
1960; dtd cvr; clr photo “Loch Vale, Rocky Mountain National Park”; 5.5 x 8.5
1961; dtd cvr; clr photo “From U.S. 34, side road leads past Hallett’s Peak…”; 5.5 x 8.5
1962; dtd cvr; clr photo “Twin Tunnels…Interstate 70 in Historic Clear Creek Canyon…”; 5.5 x 8.5
1963; dtd cvr; clr photo “Golden aspen herald autumn at Bear Lake…”; 5.5 x 8.5
1964; dtd cvr; clr photo “Fishing at Maroon Lake…”; 5.5 x 8.5
1965; dtd cvr; clr photo “US 40,…Berthoud Pass…”; 3.75 x 8
1966 A (winter); dtd cvr; clr photo of snow on pine trees; 3.75 x 7.25
1966 B (summer); dtd cvr; clr photo of mtn, lake and pine trees; 3.75 x 7.25
1967 A (winter); dtd cvr; clr photo of trees and slope covered in snow; 3.75 x 7.25
1967 B (summer); dtd cvr; clr photo of small stream and aspen in fall; 3.75 x 7.25
1968 A (winter); dtd cvr; clr photo of woman with goofy white hat skiing (Vail); 3.75 x 7.25
1968 B (summer); dtd cvr; clr photo of car on mtn hwy; 3.75 x 7.25
1969 A (winter); dtd cvr; clr photo of Maroon Bells in winter; 3.75 x 7.25
1969 B (summer); dtd cvr; clr photo of Maroon Bells in autumn; 3.75 x 7.25
1970 A (winter); dtd cvr; clr photo of snow covered pine tree; 3.75 x 7.25
1970 B (summer); dtd cvr; clr photo of mtn with horse in foreground; 3.75 x 7.25
1971 A (winter); dtd cvr; clr photo of skiers { }; 3.75 x 7.25
1971 B (summer); dtd cvr; clr photo of Black Canyon of Gunnison; 3.75 x 7.25
1972 A (winter); dtd cvr; clr photo of snow covered trees; 3.75 x 7.25
1972 B (summer); dtd cvr; clr photo of lake, mtn and pine trees; 3.75 x 7.25
1973 A (winter); dtd cvr; clr photo with snow covered tree; 3.75 x 7.25
1973 B (summer); dtd cvr; clr photo of interstate hwy & colorful aspens; 3.75 x 7.25
1974 A (winter); dtd code; clr photo of skeletal tree & snowy mtns; 3.75 x 7.25
1974 B (summer); dtd code; clr photo of rushing mtn river; 3.75 x 7.25
1975 A (winter); dtd code; clr photo of snowy mtn town; 3.75 x 7.25
1975 B (summer); dtd code; clr photo of mtn past trees; 3.75 x 7.25
[2 known versions: { }, {Centennial logo added on cvr}]
1976; dtd code; bw photo of buggy on pass with Centennial logo; 3.75 x 7.25
1977 A (winter); dtd code; clr photo of small creek in mtns with snow; 3.75 x 7.25
1977 B (summer); dtd code; clr photo of river with snow capped mtn in bkgrd; 3.75 x 7.25
1978 A (winter); dtd code; clr photo of hwy in mtns with snow; 3.75 x 7.25
1978 B (summer); dtd code; clr photo of lake in mtns; 3.75 x 7.25
1979; dtd code; clr photo of Maroon Bells; 3.75 x 7.25
1980; dtd code; clr photo of Denver skyline; 3.75 x 7.25
1981; dtd code; clr photo of view from mtn top; 3.75 x 7.25
1982; dtd code; clr photo of divided hwy in mtns; 3.75 x 7.25
1983 A (winter); dtd code; clr photo of Mt Evans Hwy; 3.75 x 7.25
1983 B (summer); dtd code; clr photo of green pasture & snowy mtns; 3.75 x 7.25
[2 known versions: {“If resold…” left justified}, {“If resold…” right justified}]
1984 A (winter); dtd cprt; clr photo of snowy mtns; 4 x 8.25
1984 B (summer); dtd cprt; clr photo of flowers & snow capped mtns; 4 x 8.25
[2 known versions: {“10 c” price on cvr}, {“Free-Compliments of the Colorado Tourism Board” on cvr}]
1985; dtd cprt; 2 clr photos (Mt Elbert/Denver at dusk); 4 x 8.25
1986; dtd cprt; clr photo “Maroon Bells near Aspen”; 4.5 x 8.5
1987; dtd cprt; clr photo “Maroon Bells near Aspen”; 4.5 x 8.5
1988; dtd cprt; clr photo “Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods”; 4.5 x 8.5
1989; dtd cprt; clr photo “Roosevelt National Forest, Columbine Lake”; 4.5 x 8.5
1990; dtd cprt; clr photo “Mt. Wilson, Telluride”; 4.5 x 8.5
1991; dtd cprt; clr photo “Lake Purgatory, Purgatory”; 4.5 x 8.5
1992; dtd cprt; clr photo “Pawnee Buttes, Raymer”; 4.5 x 8.5
1993; dtd cprt; clr photo “Uncompahgre National Forest, Mount Sneffels”; 4 x 8.5
1994; dtd cprt; clr photo “Slough Lake”; 4 x 8.5
1995; no map issued per Colorado DOT
1996; no map issued per Colorado DOT
1997-98; dtd llhc (cprt 1997); clr photo “Pikes Peak”; 4 x 8.5
1999-2000; dtd llhc (cprt 1999); clr photo “Twilight Peak near Silverton” (phone # inside: 639-111); 4 x 8.5
[3 known versions: {incorrect phone # inside: (303) 639-111}, {“Road Information Statewide (303) 639-1111”
stamp over incorrect phone #}, {correct phone number printed as (303) 639-1111}]
2002-03 A; dtd llhc (cprt 2002); clr photo “Sneffels Range” (“Colorado State Map”); 4 x 8.5
2002-03 B; dtd llhc (cprt 2003); clr photo “Piney Lake near Vail” (“Official Map to Scenery & Adventure”); 4 x 8.5
[2004-05]; dtd llhc (2002-2003, date not revised per CO DOT); clr photo of “Durango & Silverton Railroad”; 4 x 8.5
2006-07; dtd llhc; clr photo “Mesa Verde National Park”; 4 x 8.5
2008-09; dtd llhc; clr photo of “Vineyards near Palisade”; 4 x 8.5
2010-11; dtd cvr; clr photo of mountain stream (“Aspen”); 4 x 8.5
2012-13; dtd cvr; clr photo of “Mountain goats in San Juan Mountains, Chicago Basin”; 4 x 8.5
[2 known versions {“COLORADO” title straight}, {“COLORADO” title curved & different font}]
2014-15; dtd cvr; clr photo “A herd of elk in Rocky Mountain National Park”; 4 x 8.5
2016-17: dtd llhc (cvr 2016); clr photo “Mountain Goat near Mount Evans”; 4 x 8.5
Colorado Map Codes:
Many Colorado maps since 1965 have a code in the lower left corner of the opened map. When this code can be used to date the map or differentiate between versions of the map for a single year, it is shown as {#}. “{ }” refers to a blank lower left corner. “dtd code” is used when this code is the only basis for dating the map. In recent years, where the copyright date and the date code differ, the later date is used.
1965: [4 known codes: { }, {2}, {3}, {4}]
1966 A (winter): [1 known code: { }]
1966 B (summer): [1 known code: {2}]
1967 A (winter): [2 known codes: { }, {2}]
1967 B (summer): [2 known codes: { }, {2}]
1968 A (winter): [2 known codes: { }, {1}]
1968 B (summer): [2 known codes: {1}, {2}]
1969 A (winter): [1 known code: { }]
1969 B (summer): [2 known codes: { }, {2}]
1970 A (winter): [1 known code: { }]
1970 B (summer): [2 known codes: { }, {1}]
1971 A (winter): [1 known code: { }]
1971 B (summer): [2 known codes: { }, {1}]
1972 A (winter): [1 known code: { }]
1972 B (summer): [2 known codes: { }, {1}]
1973 A (winter): [1 known code: { }]
1973 B (summer): [2 known codes: { }, {1}]
1974 A (winter): [1 known code: {74}]
1974 B (summer): [2 known codes: {74}, {74 1}]
1975 A (winter): [1 known code: {75}]
1975 B (summer): [2 known codes: {75}, {75 1}]
1976: [1 known code: {76}]
1977 A (winter): [1 known code: {77}]
1977 B (summer): [2 known codes: {77}, {1 77}]
1978 A (winter): [1 known code: {78}]
1978 B (summer): [2 known codes: {78}, {1 78}]
1979: [1 known code: {79}]
1980: [1 known code: {1 80}]
1981: [1 known code: {1 81}]
1982: [1 known code: {1 82}]
1983 A (winter): [1 known code: {1-83}]
1983 B (summer): [1 known code: {1-83}]
1984 A (winter):
1984 B (summer):
1985: [1 known code: {85-1}]
1986: [2 known codes: {86-1}, {86-2}]
1987: [1 known code: {86-2}]
1988: [1 known code: {87-1}]
1989: [1 known code: {88-1}]
1990: [1 known code: {89-1}]
1991: [1 known code: {90-1}]
1992: [1 known code: {90-1}]
1993: [1 known code: {92-1}]
1994: [1 known code: {93-1}]
Colorado Fishing Maps:
1982; dtd lgnd (Jun); clr photo of man with fish inset over clr photo of creek; 3.75 x 7.5
1988; dtd map lrhc (Jun); clr photo of man in river fishing; 3.75 x 7.5
Colorado Highway Construction Bulletins:
1948; dtd cvr; bw txt with red date in silver shield; 4 x 9.5
[1 known version: {Sep}]
1952; dtd cvr; bw txt with red date; 4 x 9.5
[1 known version: {Oct}]
1953; dtd cvr; bw txt with red date; 4 x 9.5
[1 known version: {Jun}]
1957; dtd cvr; bw txt with red date; 4 x 9.5
[1 known version: {Nov}]
1961; dtd cvr; gold dwg of construction equipment; 5 x 9.5
[{1 known version: {Oct}]
1966; dtd cvr; bw & red txt with state seal; 3.75 x 9
[7 known versions: {Jun}, {Jul}, {Aug}, {Sep}, {Oct}, {Nov}, {Dec}]
1967; dtd cvr; otherwise same as 1966
[12 known versions: {Jan}, {Feb}, {Mar}, {Apr}, {May}, {Jun}, {Jul}, {Aug}, {Sep}, {Oct}, {Nov}, {Dec}]
1968; dtd cvr; otherwise same as 1966
[12 known versions: {Jan}, {Feb}, {Mar}, {Apr}, {May}, {Jun}, {Jul}, {Aug}, {Sep}, {Oct}, {Nov}, {Dec}]
1969; dtd cvr; otherwise same as 1966
[12 known versions: {Jan}, {Feb}, {Mar}, {Apr}, {May}, {Jun}, {Jul}, {Aug}, {Sep}, {Oct}, {Nov}, {Dec}]
1970; dtd cvr; otherwise same as 1966
[12 known versions: {Jan}, {Feb}, {Mar}, {Apr}, {May}, {Jun}, {Jul}, {Aug}, {Sep}, {Oct}, {Nov}, {Dec}]
1971; dtd cvr; otherwise same as 1966
[12 known versions: {Jan}, {Feb}, {Mar}, {Apr}, {May}, {Jun}, {Jul}, {Aug}, {Sep}, {Oct}, {Nov}, {Dec}]
1972; dtd cvr; otherwise same as 1966
[12 known versions: {Jan}, {Feb}, {Mar}, {Apr}, {May}, {Jun}, {Jul}, {Aug}, {Sep}, {Oct}, {Nov}, {Dec}]
1973; dtd cvr; otherwise same as 1966
[12 known versions: {Jan}, {Feb}, {Mar}, {Apr}, {May}, {Jun}, {Jul}, {Aug}, {Sep}, {Oct}, {Nov}, {Dec}]
1974; dtd cvr; otherwise same as 1966
[12 known versions: {Jan}, {Feb}, {Mar}, {Apr}, {May}, {Jun}, {Jul}, {Aug}, {Sep}, {Oct}, {Nov}, {Dec}]
1975; dtd cvr; otherwise same as 1966
[12 known versions: {Jan}, {Feb}, {Mar}, {Apr}, {May}, {Jun}, {Jul}, {Aug}, {Sep}, {Oct}, {Nov}, {Dec}]
1976; dtd cvr; otherwise same as 1966
[12 known versions: {Jan}, {Feb}, {Mar}, {Apr}, {May}, {Jun}, {Jul}, {Aug}, {Sep}, {Oct}, {Nov}, {Dec}]
1977; dtd cvr; otherwise same as 1966
[12 known versions: {Jan}, {Feb}, {Mar}, {Apr}, {May}, {Jun}, {Jul}, {Aug}, {Sep}, {Oct}, {Nov}, {Dec}]
1978; dtd cvr; otherwise same as 1966
[12 known versions: {Jan}, {Feb}, {Mar}, {Apr}, {May}, {Jun}, {Jul}, {Aug}, {Sep}, {Oct}, {Nov}, {Dec}]
1979; dtd cvr; otherwise same as 1966
[12 known versions: {Jan}, {Feb}, {Mar}, {Apr}, {May}, {Jun}, {Jul}, {Aug}, {Sep}, {Oct}, {Nov}, {Dec}]
1980; dtd cvr; otherwise same as 1966
[11 known versions: {Jan}, {Feb}, {Mar}, {Apr}, {May}, {Jun}, {Jul}, {Aug}, {Sep}, {Oct}, {Nov-Dec}]
1981; dtd cvr; otherwise same as 1966
[9 known versions: {Jan-Feb}, {Mar-Apr}, {May}, {Jun}, {Jul}, {Aug}, {Sep}, {Oct}, {Nov-Dec}]
1982 A; dtd cvr; otherwise same as 1966
[4 known versions: {Jan-Feb}, {Mar-Apr}, {May}, {Jun}]
1982 B; dtd cvr; bw & orange txt with state seal; 3.75 x 9
[5 known versions: [{Jul}, {Aug}, {Sep}, {Oct}, {Nov-Dec}]
1983; dtd cvr; otherwise same as 1982 B
[7 known versions: {Mar-Apr}, {May}, {Jun}, {Jul}, {Aug}, {Sep}, {Nov-Dec}]
1984; dtd cvr; otherwise same as 1982 B
[9 known versions: {Jan-Feb}, {Mar-Apr}, {May}, {Jun}, {Jul}, {Aug}, {Sep}, {Oct}, {Nov-Dec}]
1985; dtd cvr; otherwise same as 1982 B
[9 known versions: {Jan-Feb}, {Mar-Apr}, {May}, {Jun}, {Jul}, {Aug}, {Sep}, {Oct}, {Nov-Dec}]
1986; dtd cvr; otherwise same as 1982 B
[9 known versions: {Jan-Feb}, {Mar-Apr}, {May}, {Jun}, {Jul}, {Aug}, {Sep}, {Oct}, {Nov-Dec}]
1987; dtd cvr; otherwise same as 1982 B
[9 known versions: {Jan-Feb}, {Mar-Apr}, {May}, {Jun}, {Jul}, {Aug}, {Sep}, {Oct}, {Nov-Dec}]
1988; dtd cvr; otherwise same as 1982 B
[7 known versions: {Jan-Feb}, {Mar-Apr}, {Jun}, {Jul}, {Aug}, {Sep}, {Nov-Dec}]
1989; dtd cvr; otherwise same as 1982 B
[9 known versions: {Jan-Feb}, {Mar-Apr}, {May}, {Jun}, {Jul}, {Aug}, {Sep}, {Oct}, {Nov-Dec}]
1990; dtd cvr; otherwise same as 1982 B
[9 known versions: {Jan-Feb}, {Mar-Apr}, {May}, {Jun}, {Jul}, {Aug}, {Sep}, {Oct}, {Nov-Dec}]
1991; dtd cvr; otherwise same as 1982 B
[9 known versions: {Jan-Feb}, {Mar-Apr}, {May}, {Jun}, {Jul}, {Aug}, {Sep}, {Oct}, {Nov-Dec}]
1992; dtd cvr; otherwise same as 1982 B
[9 known versions: {Jan-Feb}, {Mar-Apr}, {May}, {Jun}, {Jul}, {Aug}, {Sep}, {Oct}, {Nov-Dec}]
1993; dtd cvr; otherwise same as 1982 B
[7 known versions: {Jan-Feb}, {Mar-Apr}, {May}, {Jun}, {Jul}, {Aug}, {Nov-Dec}]
1994; dtd cvr; otherwise same as 1982 B
[9 known versions: {Jan-Feb}, {Mar-Apr}, {May}, {Jun}, {Jul}, {Aug}, {Sep}, {Oct}, {Nov-Dec}]
1995 A; dtd cvr; otherwise same as 1982 B
[2 known versions: {Jan-Feb}, {Mar-Apr}]
1995 B; dtd cvr; black & orange dwg of highway worker “Dusty”; 3.75 x 9
[6 known versions: {Jun}, {Jul}, {Aug}, {Sep}, {Oct}, {Nov-Dec}]
Colorado Educational Maps:
1999-2000; dtd cprt (1999 and code of {99-2000}); clr photo of “Twilight Peak near Silverton”; 4 x 8.5
2010-11; dtd cvr; clr photo of “Lake Dillon”; 4 x 8.5
