1964 Map of Barkelew Draw

About this map

Hamilton Mesa and the elevated plateaus of Lilylands dominate this landscape on the western edge of the Uncompahgre National Forest. The map illustrates a complex network of seasonal drainage systems, including Hamilton Creek, Barkelew Draw, and Nelson Creek, which carve through the high desert terrain. Human activity is marked by the presence of the Basin Sch and the extensive Lilylands Canal, reflecting the importance of water management in this arid ranching and forest region. The irregular terrain of East Broad Canyon and various gravel pits suggests a landscape shaped by both natural erosion and localized resource extraction. The distribution of features like the Two Fork Reservoir underscores the reliance on surface water storage for local use in the mid-20th century.