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2013 Map of Big Joe Basin

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

USGS Topo · Published 2013

About this map

Browns Park occupies the southwestern corner of this survey, a historic settlement area near the junction of Co-318 and CO Road 182. The landscape is defined by its dramatic elevation changes, rising from the valley floor to the heights of Cold Spring Mountain and Limestone Ridge. Local history is anchored at the Bassett Cem, located near the mouth of Matt Creek, serving as a reminder of early ranching families in this part of Moffat County.

Water management in this arid region is evidenced by Bassett Reservoir Number 2, which captures drainage from Vermillion Creek and Pablo Spring. The topography transitions from the broad Big Joe Basin and Little Joe Basin to confined corridors like Green Canyon and Bull Canyon. This network of springs, such as Swells Spring and Chicken Spring, was essential for maintaining livestock on the high plateaus and ridges.