1964 Map of Uncompahgre Peak

About this map

Capitol City sits as a remnant of a silver-mining era on the banks of Henson Creek in the mid-1960s. Located within the Uncompahgre National Forest, this high-altitude landscape is characterized by its legacy of mineral extraction, with numerous workings like the Pride of America Mine and Silver Jack Mine dotting the drainages. The topography is defined by prominent summits including Uncompahgre Peak and Matterhorn Peak, which rise above a network of pack trails and jeep trails that once served as the primary routes for ore transport. The presence of Yellowstone Creek, Nellie Creek, and the East Fork Cimarron River highlights the complex hydrology of the San Juan Mountains, where steep gulches such as Big Casino Gulch and Copper Gulch funnel snowmelt toward the valley floors. This survey documents the transition of the area from an active mining district to a rugged landscape of recreational trails and geologic study.