Peak to Peak Motor Tours

AUTOMOBILING THROUGH COLORADO BRINGS MANY A THRILL OF DELIGHT – Text, verso.

This 1921 folding map/promotional mailer, published locally by the Clason Map Company and sponsored by the America Bank and Trust Company, is a fascinating encapsulation of the early auto-tourism era in the American West. At a time when the Good Roads movement was just beginning to pave the way for the middle class to explore the Rockies, this guide served as both a practical navigator and a clever marketing tool for Denver’s growing financial services sector.

The image presents the auto-accessible heartland of The Centennial State, from Colorado Springs to Fort Collins. Main Routes and Good Passable Roads are colored in red and black, respectively, while poor roads (doubtful for automobiles) and foot trails are noted with dashes. All options, from foot to pedal, stretch into the adjacent Rocky Mountains and several National Forests (Arapaho, Pike, and Colorado), presenting a scenic opportunity for the adventurous motorist.

Various geographic features, towns, and locations of interest are labeled throughout the image. Despite being promoted as a ‘Peak to Peak’ map, the content is surprisingly devoid of any elevation data or topographic detail. This would have been an important consideration when planning trips, especially during any potentially inclement weather.

Accompanying text offers helpful driving hints and parking rules. “In conclusion – make sure that you and your care are sufficiently insured.” The verso presents additional promotional information for the America Bank & Trust Company, plus recommended tours, a regional road map, and a simple street plan of Denver.