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1955 Map of Ophir

Name: 1955 Topographic Map of Ophir
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1987
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1987

About this map

Mining operations and high-altitude alpine terrain dominate this mid-century survey of the San Miguel and San Juan County line. The settlement of Ophir serves as the focal point, situated near active extraction sites like the Badger Mine and the Silver Bell Mine. This era of the district is marked by the presence of the Ophir Loop Sch, serving the families of the mining camps situated beneath the Ophir Needles.

The landscape is a complex network of glacial basins and peaks, including Ice Lake Basin and Bridal Veil Basin, which feed the headwaters of the Howard Fork. Notable summits such as Silver Mountain, Vermilion Peak, and U S Grant Peak define the drainage divides between the Uncompahgre National Forest and the San Juan National Forest. Historic pathways like Ophir Pass provide critical links over the rugged crest, connecting remote mining claims such as the Gold King Mine and Bandora Mine to the larger regional economy.