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1953 Map of Mt. Pinchot

Name: 1953 Topographic Map of Mt. Pinchot
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1964
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1964

About this map

Inyo National Forest dominates this high-altitude landscape along the border of Fresno and Inyo counties, where the Sierra Nevada crest reaches its most dramatic heights. This 1953 survey documents a network of historic mining claims and pack trails that once supported an industry of extraction high above the valley floor. Clusters of mines such as the Glacier Mines, Ruby Mine, and Rex Montis Mine are visible, many situated near difficult passes like Sawmill Pass and Kearsarge Pass.

The presence of the John Muir Trail and Kearsarge Trail highlights the area's significance for early wilderness travel, connecting remote basins like Sixty Lake Basin and Gardiner Basin. Hydroelectric development is also noted at the Division Creek Powerhouse near the settlement of Aberdeen. This map serves as a vital record of the complex water systems and high-country landmarks, from the Vennacher Needle to the glacial waters of Charlotte Lake, during a period of transition between commercial mining and recreational use.