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2013 Map of Baker Draw

Name: 2013 Topographic Map of Baker Draw
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2013
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2013

About this map

Pawnee National Grassland dominates this high-plains landscape in Weld County, where a network of ephemeral watercourses and named windmills reveals the critical importance of water management in a semi-arid environment. The terrain is defined by the namesake Baker Draw and several drainage systems, including Howard Creek, Sand Creek, and Little Sand Creek. Man-made water storage is evident at Sand Reservoir Number 1 and Sand Reservoir Number 2, which likely support the region's agricultural and grazing activities.

A striking feature of this 2013 survey is the high density of named windmills across the grid, such as the Stone Corral Windmill, Big Bend Windmill, and the curiously named Missile Windmill. These landmarks, along with a rectilinear road system including State Hwy 14 and various county roads, mark the intersection of public lands and private ranching interests. The presence of Coal Creek in the southwest corner further illustrates the varied drainage patterns that have shaped the local topography and settlement history.