1957 Map of Challis

About this map

The Salmon River and its multiple forks carve through the heart of central Idaho in this mid-century survey, revealing a landscape defined by high-altitude peaks and a legacy of mineral extraction. The eastern edge of the map highlights the settlement of Challis and the mining corridor near Clayton, where the Ramshorn Mine and General Custer Mine indicate the region's historic silver and gold operations. To the west, the massive wilderness reaches of the Boise National Forest and Challis National Forest dominate, dotted with remote outposts like the Loon Creek Ranger Sta and several private ranch holdings such as the Mayfield Ranch. This era shows the developed recreation and transit corridors along State Highway 75, providing access to the glacial waters of Redfish Lake and the Sawtooth Range, while the interior remains a vast network of lookouts and trails.