2013 Map of Big Beaver Reservoir

About this map

White River National Forest land defines this portion of Rio Blanco County, where the convergence of the N Fork White River and S Fork White River forms the headwaters of the White River. The landscape is a complex network of high-country water management and seasonal camps, anchored by the Big Beaver Reservoir and the Marcotte Ditch. Evidence of the region’s ranching and recreational history is visible in the placement of Russell Camp and North Elk Cow Camp, as well as the cluster of alpine lakes in the southeast including Seventh Lake, Beaver Lake, and Shadow Lake. Transport through the area relies on a mix of early routes like CO Road 8 and specialized access such as the Gilley Lake Trail 1233, reflecting a century of land use dedicated to resource management and forest service operations.