2016 Map of Empire

About this map

Empire and the surrounding mountain settlements of Alice and Saint Marys are captured in this mid-2010s survey of the high-altitude mining and recreational landscape. The map shows the complex intersection of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail and the Continental Divide itself, which winds through peaks like James Peak, Mt Bancroft, and Mt Eva. Traces of the region's mining heritage remain visible through features such as the Glory Hole and the Silver Creek Wagon Trail, while the modern community of Downieville-Lawson-Dumont lines the valley along the Clear Creek corridor. To the north and west, the vast protected lands of the Roosevelt National Forest and Arapaho National Forest contain numerous alpine water bodies, including Loch Lomond, Fall River Reservoir, and Upper Chinns Reservoir. Genealogy researchers can identify local burials at the Empire Cem and Alvarado Cem located near the town centers.