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1951 Map of Livingston Peak

Name: 1951 Topographic Map of Livingston Peak
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1953
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1953

About this map

The Absaroka Range dominates this mid-century topographical survey, showcasing the high-altitude terrain of the Gallatin National Forest south of the Yellowstone River. Centered on the prominent Livingston Peak, the map reveals a landscape defined by sharp drainage basins and steep ridges, including the West Baldy Basin and East Baldy Basin. The presence of established outposts like the 63 Ranch and Triangle Ranch along the northern Forest Boundary indicates the intersection of private ranching interests with federal forest lands during this era of the Missouri River Basin development program.

Water plays a critical role in the geography here, with the headwaters of Mission Creek, Blacktail Creek, and the dual forks of Deep Creek carving deep paths through the mountains. Surveyors noted specific landmarks such as Elephanthead Mountain and Mount Delano, which served as essential triangulation points for the Geological Survey. For the researcher, the map preserves the exact locations of these early mountain ranches and the original network of pack trails and unimproved roads that provided the only access into the high country before modern recreation infrastructure expanded.