1970 Map of Barrel Springs

About this map

The Overland Trail cuts a historic path across this high desert landscape in Sweetwater County, marking the route used by countless emigrants and stagecoaches heading west. This 1970 field-checked survey highlights the arid geography of the Red Desert region, defined by an intricate system of seasonal watercourses such as Barrel Springs Draw and Wild Rose Draw. While the terrain appears stark, the presence of North Barrel Spring and a solitary Corral indicates the vital importance of water and livestock management in this open range. To the south, the drainage patterns shift toward West Branch Willow Creek and Shallow Creek, illustrating the subtle topographical divides of the Wyoming basin. This map serves as a precise record of the physical corridor and the sparse infrastructure that supported movement through this challenging territory.