1967 Map of Elkhorn Creek

About this map

The Big Lost River meanders through a broad valley floor at the base of the Lost River Range, defining the transition between the agricultural potential of Barton Flats and the high wilderness of the Challis National Forest. This late 1960s landscape shows the sparse settlement pattern of Custer County, anchored by the Elkhorn Ranch and the locality of Chilly. To the west, the expansive Thousand Springs Valley is fed by various water sources including Thousand Springs Creek and the aptly named Whiskey Springs. High-elevation alpine features like Merriam Lake and Pass Lake sit tucked within the mountain peaks, accessible only by a primitive Pack Tr. The road network is minimal, dominated by the Bartlett Pt Road, reflecting an era where the economy centered on ranching and the proximity to the river systems.