2020 Map of Haystack Peak

About this map

Independence sits within a high alpine environment where the headwaters of the Boulder River and Slough Creek begin their descent. This 2020 survey of the Gallatin National Forest reveals a landscape dominated by dramatic summits, including Haystack Peak, Independence Peak, and Sheepherder Peak. The complex drainage patterns of the region are evident as the E Fork Buffalo Fork and N Fork Bull Cr carve through the southern reaches of the quadrangle. High-elevation water bodies like Lake Kathleen, Blue Lake, and the Lake Columbine chain are characteristic of this glaciated terrain. The map also delineates the high-country transition at Boulder Pass and the prominent Buffalo Divide, which serves as a natural boundary between major watersheds. Local landmarks such as Baboon Mtn and Monument Peak provide distinct points of reference for those navigating this portion of the Absaroka-Beartooth wilderness area.