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1953 Map of Mount Wilson

Name: 1953 Topographic Map of Mount Wilson
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1954
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1954

About this map

Mining operations and high mountain peaks dominate this mid-century survey of the rugged San Miguel Mountains. The landscape is a testament to the industrial extraction of the era, featuring the Butterfly Mine (Active) and several legacy sites like the Old Butterfly Mine and San Bernardo Mine. Near the settlement of Ames, an Aerial Tramway and Water Tank illustrate the infrastructure required to transport ore and supplies through such steep elevation changes.

The central portion of the map is defined by the Uncompahgre National Forest and San Juan National Forest boundary, which cuts across the iconic Lizard Head spire. Transport routes of the past are clearly visible, including an Old Railroad Grade that follows the Dolores River valley and passes through Lizard Head Pass. From the heights of Mount Wilson to the depths of Silver Pick Basin, the map records a specific moment in the evolution of Colorado's San Juan region, where old drifts and modern mines operated side-by-side.