2011 Map of Shield Mountain

About this map

The Little Snake River and its multiple tributaries define the drainage patterns of this high-elevation landscape in the early 21st century. The map centers on the confluence area of the N Frk Little Snake R, Middle Fork Little Snake River, and South Fork Little Snake River, a geography that gives rise to the settlement of Three Forks. The human footprint is concentrated near this waterway junction, including Three Forks Ranch and the Three Forks Cemetery. Beyond the river valley, the terrain is dominated by prominent summits and ridges such as Three Forks Mountain, Piney Mountain, and the massive bulk of Shield Mountain. The distribution of county roads, specifically County RD-129 and Co RD 129, follows the natural contours of the gulches and creeks, including Beeler Gulch and Bedrock Creek, illustrating how the valley floor remains the primary corridor for movement through this mountain environment.