1953 Map of Granite Chief

About this map

Soda Springs and the upper reaches of the North Fork American River define this high Sierra landscape within the Tahoe National Forest. The map provides a detailed view of the high-altitude topography where the State Game Refuge covers a significant portion of the western slope. Notable historic landmarks like the Watson Monument Emigrant Pass Marker and the Johnson Monument reflect the area's importance as a passage for early pioneers. Significant vertical relief is mapped between peaks such as Tinker Knob, Granite Chief, and Needle Peak, with the deep basin of French Meadows appearing in the west. A network of alpine water bodies, including Mountain Meadow Lake, Mildred Lakes, and Needle Lake, feeds into the headwaters of Chief Creek and Whisky Creek. Remoteness is indicated by seasonal locations like Whisky Creek Camp and the Talbot Campground at the edge of the wilderness.