2016 Map of Beaty Canyon

About this map

The Purgatoire River carves through the landscape of the Comanche National Grassland, defining the drainage patterns and rugged geography of this southeastern Colorado region. The map reveals a complex network of canyons branching away from the main river corridor, including Beaty Canyon, Purgatoire Canyon, and Rourke Canyon. Distinctive landforms such as Picture Window Rock and Piñon Park Hill provide orientation points across the high desert terrain. Water sources are scarce but critical, marked by isolated points like Goat Ranch Spring, Sumpter Spring, and Fritz Spring, which likely served as vital hubs for early cattle ranching and modern land management in this arid environment. Roads like Co RD 177.9 follow the natural topography, connecting the plateaus above the canyon floors.