1964 Map of Mystery Cave

About this map

The Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range dominates the western half of this landscape, a high-relief terrain characterized by limestone outcrops and deep drainages like Lost Water Canyon. This 1964 survey, later updated with 1980s data, highlights the complex subterranean geography of the area, featuring named landmarks such as Mystery Cave, Royce Cave, and the uniquely named Four Faced Bat Cave. To the east, the terrain drops sharply into the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, where the Bighorn River cuts through the canyon floor. The map records the intersection of wildlands and early recreational infrastructure, noting the Layout Creek Ranger Station and several mining prospects that suggest the region's history of mineral exploration prior to its preservation as a national recreation site.