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2017 Map of Red Canyon

Name: 2017 Topographic Map of Red Canyon
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2017
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2017

About this map

Sweetwater Basin dominates the northern reaches of this high-altitude landscape where the headwaters of several drainages emerge. The terrain is defined by the significant elevation changes between the basin floor and prominent landmarks like Timber Hill and the eponymous Red Canyon. The boundary between Beaverhead and Madison Counties bisects the quadrangle, marking a transition in the local administration of these public and private lands.

Hydrological features are central to the area's geography, with Virginia Springs and Crazy Springs Cr feeding into the wider network of Sweetwater Creek. The presence of Sweetwater Rd provides the primary arterial access through Wood Canyon, following the natural contours of the valley. This 2017 survey illustrates the persistent ranching and open-range character of this part of Montana, where water sources and topography dictate the movement of both people and livestock.