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2018 Map of Balloon Dome

Name: 2018 Topographic Map of Balloon Dome
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2018
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2018

About this map

Balloon Dome rises above the dramatic confluence of the San Joaquin River and its South Fork, defining a landscape of deep canyons and high mountain meadows within the Sierra National Forest. This 2018 survey documents the intricate network of pack trails and forest routes, including the California Riding and Hiking trail and the Kaiser Loop Half Corral, that connect remote points like Paradise Lost and Hoffman Meadow. The terrain is punctuated by significant peaks such as Mt Tom, which features the Mt Tom Lookout Mount Tom.

Historical land use is evident in the naming of numerous high-altitude grazing areas, from Cassidy Meadows near the Cassidy Bridge to the remote Crater Lake Meadow. The map also captures several seasonal or snow-covered features such as Brown Cone and Mount Tom, reflecting the high-elevation climate of the Madera and Fresno county border. This map serves as a vital record for tracing old forest service access points and natural landmarks throughout the wilderness.