2011 Map of Stemple Pass

About this map

Stemple Pass serves as a critical geographic marker in this section of the Continental Divide, where the rugged drainages of the Blackfoot River meet the intricate network of headwater creeks. This 2011 survey reveals a landscape deeply marked by its mining history, evidenced by numerous named claims and operations like the Alpha-Omega Mine, Astor Mine, and the Pangewasset Mine. The distribution of these sites along Gould Creek and Virginia Creek suggests a legacy of prospecting that followed the narrow gulches. Water management for these operations is visible through features like the Pilgeram Ditch, which cuts across the terrain near Bear Gulch. The primitive road network, including Stemple Pass Rd and Horse Fly Creek Rd, highlights how access to these remote mining claims has been maintained through the decades.