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1992 Map of Pixley Basin

Name: 1992 Topographic Map of Pixley Basin
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1992
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1992

About this map

Toy Mountain and Rough Mountain anchor this high-elevation Idaho landscape, where the history of prospecting is etched into the terrain. The map reveals numerous mining operations, including the Golden Crown Mine and the Bluebird Mine, alongside scattered prospects and a documented mine shaft near Gordy Ranch. These features suggest a period of intensive mineral exploration in the late 20th century, supported by a network of 4wd tracks that cut through the drainage basins.

Water management is central to the land's utility, evidenced by the many named springs such as Reservation Spring and Bluebird Mine Spring. Small signs of permanent settlement and family history appear at the Crill Place and a small Cem (cemetery), while the geography is defined by the broad Pixley Basin and volcanic landmarks like Black Butte. Practical crossings, such as Savage Crossing on Castle Creek, indicate how the remote area was navigated before modern infrastructure reached the interior Owyhee highlands.