2011 Map of The Needles

About this map

Boulder Mountain and the distinctive geological formation known as The Needles define this high-elevation portion of Park County. This 2011 survey illustrates a landscape dominated by the drainage systems of the Boulder River and East Fork Mill Creek, which are fed by numerous seasonal and perennial tributaries such as Meattrack Creek and Tuscarora Creek. High-altitude water bodies like Silver Lake and Bridge Lake sit tucked below prominent summits including Carbonate Mountain and War Eagle Mountain. The absence of roads and the presence of named alpine crossings like Silver Pass emphasize the remote, primitive character of the terrain. For researchers and geographers, the map provides a precise look at the hydrology of the northern Rockies, tracing how water moves from snow-fed peaks into named branches like Marie Creek and Snowslide Creek.