1953 Map of Wentworth Springs

About this map

Wentworth Springs and its surrounding mineral waters anchor this high-elevation landscape where the Tahoe National Forest meets the Eldorado National Forest. The 1973 revisions to the original 1953 survey reveal the dramatic impact of hydroelectric and water management infrastructure, most notably the expansion of the Hell Hole Reservoir along the Rubicon River and the enlarged footprint of Loon Lake. Beyond these major works, the map details a network of primitive transportation and resource extraction, from the Tungsten Mine near Upper Hell Hole to the specialized Little Sluice Box and Big Sluice Box water features. Settlement is sparse, limited to seasonal sites like Murry Camp and Miranda Cabin, while the terrain is defined by prominent landmarks such as McKinstry Peak, the striking Red Cliffs, and the meadow systems of Barts Valley and Gerle Meadow.