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1953 Map of Mount Wilson

Name: 1953 Topographic Map of Mount Wilson
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1966
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1966

About this map

Mining operations and high-altitude transport networks define this portion of the San Miguel and Dolores River watersheds in the early 1950s. The industry-heavy landscape is evidenced by the Butterfly Mine (Active) and the San Bernardo Mine, alongside several sites already noted as inactive, such as the Coal Mine (Aban'd) and an Aerial Tramway (Aban'd) near Silver Pick Basin. These extraction points are connected by the winding route of the Rio Grande Southern Railroad, which navigates the steep grades near Lizard Head Pass.

Natural landmarks like the distinctive spire of Lizard Head and the massive bulk of Wilson Peak tower over alpine meadows and headwaters. The map records several small clusters of human activity, including Ames, San Bernardo, and the interestingly named Coke Oven at the southern edge. Topographic details trace the complex drainage patterns of the South Fork San Miguel River and the Dolores River, illustrating the challenges of 20th-century mountain commerce.