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2020 Map of Ross Canyon

Name: 2020 Topographic Map of Ross Canyon
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2020
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2020

About this map

Gallatin National Forest dominates the southern reaches of this landscape, where high elevations are marked by Boone Peak and Red Mtn. This Montana terrain is defined by a dense network of drainages and canyons, including the namesake Ross Canyon, Rudd Canyon, and Box Canyon. Along the western edge, the Boulder River provides a primary water source, supported by an intricate system of historical water management infrastructure.

Settlement patterns and land use are reflected in the numerous irrigation channels such as Ellison Ditch, Clause-Weaver Ditch, and Cresap Ditch, which redirect water toward the McKenzie Flats. The map documents numerous family-named and descriptive landmarks, from Eightmile Bridge to the curiously named Tomato Can Gulch and Dead Horse Gulch. These features, along with many smaller gulches like Sawmill Gulch and Lee Gulch, indicate a history of ranching, timbering, and local resource management in Sweet Grass County.