Sapphire Mountains
The Sapphire Range earned its name from the substantial sapphire deposits mined in the area during the early 20th century. Before the sapphire market downturn after World War II, these mountains yielded over 40 tons of sapphires. Even today, gem-quality sapphires can still be found in the region, with Rock Creek considered one of Montana's most productive sites for sapphire mining.
Although not particularly high by Montana standards, the Sapphires feature numerous summits and ridgelines reaching well above 8,000 feet. Among these are Kent Peak, Congdon Peak, Fox Peak, Dome Shaped Mountain, and Bare Hill.
With an extensive logging history, the region now boasts an intricate network of roads that offer convenient access to hiking trails and breathtaking views of neighboring peaks and mountain ranges. The northern Sapphires lie within Lolo National Forest, while the southern portion is situated in Deer Lodge National Forest. The range encompasses three significant National Forest roadless areas, alongside parts of Welcome Creek Wilderness, Three Mile Wildlife Management Area, Skalkaho Game Preserve, and the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness Area. In total, the Sapphires boast over 320,000 roadless acres and 29,235 acres of designated wilderness.
The northernmost roadless area, centered around Quigg Peak, spans 77,000 acres and is renowned for its slide rock and talus slopes, vast Douglas-fir and lodgepole pine forests, and striking glaciated ridges.
To the south of the Welcome Creek Wilderness lies the expansive 103,000-acre 'Stony Mountain' region, one of the largest roadless areas in the Sapphires. Although there isn't a literal 'Stony Mountain' within the range, this area is home to impressive peaks like Dome Shaped Mountain, towering over Stony Lake at over 8,600 feet. Accessible via Skalkaho Pass, the Stony Mountain area includes the 25,000-acre Skalkaho Game Preserve.
The Sapphire Range earned its name from the substantial sapphire deposits mined in the area during the early 20th century. Before the sapphire market downturn after World War II, these mountains yielded over 40 tons of sapphires. Even today, gem-quality sapphires can still be found in the region, with Rock Creek considered one of Montana's most productive sites for sapphire mining.
Although not particularly high by Montana standards, the Sapphires feature numerous summits and ridgelines reaching well above 8,000 feet. Among these are Kent Peak, Congdon Peak, Fox Peak, Dome Shaped Mountain, and Bare Hill.
With an extensive logging history, the region now boasts an intricate network of roads that offer convenient access to hiking trails and breathtaking views of neighboring peaks and mountain ranges. The northern Sapphires lie within Lolo National Forest, while the southern portion is situated in Deer Lodge National Forest. The range encompasses three significant National Forest roadless areas, alongside parts of Welcome Creek Wilderness, Three Mile Wildlife Management Area, Skalkaho Game Preserve, and the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness Area. In total, the Sapphires boast over 320,000 roadless acres and 29,235 acres of designated wilderness.
The northernmost roadless area, centered around Quigg Peak, spans 77,000 acres and is renowned for its slide rock and talus slopes, vast Douglas-fir and lodgepole pine forests, and striking glaciated ridges.
To the south of the Welcome Creek Wilderness lies the expansive 103,000-acre 'Stony Mountain' region, one of the largest roadless areas in the Sapphires. Although there isn't a literal 'Stony Mountain' within the range, this area is home to impressive peaks like Dome Shaped Mountain, towering over Stony Lake at over 8,600 feet. Accessible via Skalkaho Pass, the Stony Mountain area includes the 25,000-acre Skalkaho Game Preserve.
