The Humbug Spires Primitive Area

Map Location

Maps detected!

---

This page uses Google Maps. The map will be loaded from Google-Server and some of your data may be used by Google. In order to see the maps, please click accept. You can also click here to see further information related to this.

Deny Accept

Categories:

Historical Markers/Interpretive Sign,  Fishing/ Fishing Access Sites,  Hiking/Backpacking,  Recreation Area,  Bird and Wildlife Viewing

Keywords:

• The Humbug Spires Primitive Area, 
• Montana Historical Markers

General info

Location: I-15, south of Butte

Named for its unique granite peaks, this primitive area is part of a geologic system of large-scale volcanic intrusions known as the Boulder Batholith, which extends north beyond Helena and south into Idaho.

Humbug Spires, which can be seen to the southeast, is part of the Highland Mountains. In 1866, rich gold placers were discovered near the Spires. Most of the mining occurred on the east and south sides of the area and produced large amounts of silver, lead, copper, and gold. Total value of production between 1876 and 1947 is estimated to have been as much as $3 million. Although there currently (1999) is no mining in the Humbug Spires Primitive Area, prospecting is done on surrounding lands.

The Spires offer the finest high-quality hard-rock climbing in Montana and are an excellent place to hike, ride horses, sightsee, fish, and hunt.

Gallery