2014 Map of Black Hills

About this map

The Black Hills rise from the open rangeland of Garfield County, marking a distinctive topographic break in this part of eastern Montana. This 2014 survey reveals an intricate drainage network defined by deep-set coulees and ephemeral creek beds that have carved into the high plains. Waterways like Little Dry Cr and Lone Tree Cr flow through the northern reaches, while Cottonwood Cr and W Fork Lone Tree Cr snake across the southern half, illustrating the seasonal hydrologic patterns typical of this semi-arid landscape. The terrain is further characterized by named landforms such as Knudson Coulee and Jacques Coulee, which serve as critical landmarks for local navigation. The sparse human footprint is limited to rural routes like Williams Rd and CR-202, highlighting the ranching and livestock heritage that persists in this remote section of the Big Sky State.