2023 Map of Ironton

About this map

Ironton sits at the heart of this high-alpine landscape, marking a crucial junction between the Uncompahgre National Forest and San Juan National Forest. This 2023 survey documents the enduring topography of a region defined by its intensive mining history and precarious mountain passes. Notable features like the Mother Cline Slide and Red Mountain Pass highlight the dramatic shifts in elevation that dictated movement through the San Juan Mountains. The map details a network of historic basins and peaks, including Richmond Basin, Imogene Basin, and Mineral Basin, which once served as the backbone of the local silver and gold economy. From the isolated settlement at Camp Bird to the peaks of Red Mtn Number 1, Red Mtn Number 2, and Red Mtn Number 3, the geography reflects a century of human effort to navigate and extract wealth from these steep gulches and high basins.