2012 Map of Granite Chief

About this map

Soda Springs serves as the northern anchor for this high-altitude landscape where the headwaters of the N Fork American River and Middle Fork American River originate. The terrain is marked by prominent alpine peaks and historical landmarks, including the Watson Monument Emigrant Pass Marker and the Johnson Monument, signifying the area's importance as a passage through the Sierra Nevada. To the east, the Squaw Valley Ski Area sits near Squaw Peak and Shirley Lake, while the central wilderness contains secluded water bodies like Needle Lake and Mildred Lakes. The map reveals a network of canyons and ridges, such as Grouse Canyon and Mildred Ridge, that separate the various drainages and high valleys like Picayune Valley, illustrating the complex hydrology that feeds the American River system.