Blackleaf Canyon&Volcano Reef

Blackleaf Canyon

Blackleaf Canyon is one of the entrances through the Rocky Mountain front. The mtns are steep faulted limestone slabs over riding the praire and running north - south for many miles.

We climbed "Volcano Reef" north of the canyon, which is neither volcanic, nor a reef. There are areas where the rock contains identifiable marine fossils which gave early farmers the idea that it was a reef, instead of the fault blocks.

This is the first range, so the view to the east overlooks the prarie, traditional home of the blackfeet & piegan. The west view looks up Mt Frazier and into the Sawtooths.

Old Man of the Hills 8,225'

The cliffs south of Blackleaf Canyon

Ancient gathered rocks, perhaps a very old vision quest site, looking east toward Mt. Frazier 8,315'.

Looking east over the praire from the site

Taking photos looking out over the praire

International Boundary Monument VisitJuly 6, 2011

We've been very busy. This photo was taken on a trip to view a monument placed around 1903 on the International Boundary. I had observed this site from a distance some years ago during benchmark recovery. The alpine meadow looked so inviting through the binoculars, it deserved a closer examination.

The monument is the 3 part bronze with an interior turnbuckle, & all packed to the site by horse. It is in very good condition, one of the best I've examined.

The hike was beautiful and without difficulty until reaching the north facing slopes which were covered with steep cornices and drifts.

Note: I have decided to redact monument numbers for security reasons.