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The mineral resources were surveyed by the U. S. Geological Survey <br />and the U. S. Bureau of Mines in 1966, 1968, and 1969. The evaluation <br />of the mineral potential is found in Geological Survey Bulletin 1353 -A, <br />"Studies Related to Wilderness, Primitive Areas, Wilson Mountains, <br />Colorado." (This bulletin may be obtained from the Superintendent of <br />Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D. C. 20402, <br />Stock Number 2401 - 1217.) <br />The report states in part ... "Three parts of the area have at least <br />some mineral resource potential: <br />1. The Trout Lake mining district, on the east side of the <br />Primitive Area, has several generally narrow base- and precious - <br />metal veins, one of which has had a moderate but sporadic pro- <br />duction since 1888. <br />2. The Mount Wilson mining district in the center of the Primitive <br />Area contains an area of disseminated copper mineralization in <br />the quartz monzonite of the Wilson Peak stock and several narrow <br />base- and precious -metal veins, one of which had a moderate gold <br />production late in the last century. <br />"3. An area near a small granodiorite plug on a fork of the West <br />Dolores River, within the study area just southwest of the <br />primitive area boundary, shows a mild molybdenum anomaly in <br />stream sediments." ... <br />RPrrPatinn <br />Outdoor recreation opportunities in the Primitive Area and contiguous <br />lands suitable for wilderness are unconfined recreation experiences, view- <br />ing scenery, hiking- including backpacking, horseback riding, fishing, <br />camping, winter mountaineering, hunting, nature study, and mountain climb- <br />ing. There are no developed recreation sites. <br />The remaining lands provide opportunities for motorized recreation <br />travel, picnicking, winter sports, and gathering forest products in <br />addition to those listed above. Developments include three campgrounds, <br />one recreation residence, and the Telluride Winter Sports Area. About <br />27 miles of highway, 210 miles of forest roads, 235 miles of four -wheel <br />drive trails and 58 miles of trails offer opportunities for snowmobiling, <br />trail bike use, four - wheel drive, and conventional vehicles. It is in <br />these lands that the greater potential for expanding recreation and <br />hunting and fishing opportunities for more people exist. In addition, <br />these lands contain existing and potential access routes, 33 potential <br />recreation sites of 626 acres and a milder climate. <br />-21- <br />