Interim Geologic Map of the Clifton Quadrangle, Tooele County, Utah (OFR-752DM)

By: Becky J. Hammond

The Clifton 7.5' quadrangle is in western Tooele County about 40 miles (65 km) south of Wendover, Utah. The northeast part of the quadrangle includes the Clifton Hills and the southwest part includes the northern Deep Creek Range/Mountains. These uplands are separated by Overland Canyon and Clifton Flat (figure 1, plate 1). The quadrangle is in the Basin and Range physiographic province between the Great Salt Lake Desert to the east and Deep Creek Valley to the west. Terrain and vegetation are typical of the Basin and Range province and include rugged mountains separated by adjoining basins. Notable geographic landmarks within the mapping area include Montezuma Peak, Clifton Flat, Blood Mountain, Young Peak, and Abercrombie Peak. To the north of the quadrangle a few people reside in the hamlet of Gold Hill, which is named for an old mining outpost; however, no permanent settlement exists within the Clifton quadrangle. The area is accessible via U.S. Highway 93 south from Wendover then east on the Ibapah Road and following maintained paved and gravel roads to the Gold Hill townsite and south, or directly east to the Clifton map area. The area can also be accessed about 115 miles (185 km) northwest of Delta by mostly gravel roads. Land ownership in the quadrangle is primarily public (Federal and State), with private land on patented ground around significant mining areas. The northern part of the quadrangle (Clifton Hills area) contains the southern half of the Gold Hill mining district, periodically active since the late 1800s. The northern end of the Deep Creek Range/Mountains is covered by the Deep Creek Mountains Wilderness Study Area. To the east is the U.S. Army Dugway Proving Ground, whereas to the northeast is the U.S. Air Force Utah Test and Training Range-South area. Active uses of the quadrangle include mining, transportation,
agriculture, and recreation.

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