SAPPHIRE WILDERNESS STUDY AREA

The Sapphires Wilderness Study Area is a key link in the chain of wild lands stretching from the Welcome Creek Wilderness along the Sapphires Crest to the lofty Anaconda-Pintlers and south to the Big Hole Valley. The southern Sapphire Range and Anaconda-Pintlers are the fourth largest contiguous wild land region in Montana, comprising over 350,000 wild acres. Maintaining the integrity of this wild region is one of our primary goals.

Sixty percent of the roadless area is above 7,000 feet in altitude. Prominent landmarks include Bare Hill, Kent, and Congdon Peaks, Signal Rock and Rooster Comb. Elevations range from 5,000 feet at some points along the lower boundary, to 9,000 feet at Kent Peak. The Sapphire Mountain Crest divides the area into nearly equal parts. Drainages flowing to the east are Copper Creek, the Ross Fork, and the West Fork of Rock Creek which is a nationally known Blue Ribbon trout fishery. Moose, Martin, and Skalkaho Creeks flow to the west and are tributaries of the Bitterroot River.

The Bitterroot National Forest plans to designate a major four-wheel ORV route on trail #39 connecting to trail #313 which ends at the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness. Protecting these trails is one of our highest priorities.

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