1987 Map of Iron Mountain

About this map

Iron Mountain serves as the focal point for this 1980s topographic study of the Montana backcountry. The landscape is defined by the high-elevation drainage systems of the Gallatin National Forest and the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, where a network of steep canyons and alpine ridges dictates the movement of water and travelers alike. The map captures the intricate hydrology of the region, from the headwaters of Hellroaring Creek and its many branches to the South Fork Boulder River on the eastern edge. This era of mapping emphasizes preservation and natural boundaries, highlighting the Indefinite Boundary of wilderness zones. Local landmarks like Elk Lake and the Hummingbird Basin are presented alongside human markers such as the Corral Footbridge, offering a clear view of the primitive infrastructure used to navigate these mountain reaches before the turn of the century.