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2019 Map of Big Mesa

Name: 2019 Topographic Map of Big Mesa
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2019
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2019

About this map

Blue Mesa Reservoir dominates the northern landscape of this Gunnison County quadrangle, where the impounded waters of the Gunnison River meet steep terrain. Much of the shoreline and surrounding highlands fall within the Curecanti National Recreation Area, a protected corridor managed for its significant water and land resources. To the south, the massive landform of Big Mesa rises sharply, defined by its flat-topped structure and a network of seasonal drainages including Wolf Cr and Palo Cr.

The road network, including the Steuben Creek Rd and Vulcan Road, provides access through the high-elevation backcountry toward prominent landmarks like Blaine Rock. Evidence of regional cattle ranching and land management is visible in the placement of Big Springs and various corrals along the creek beds. The map details a transition from the deep reservoir waters to the high plateau country, connected by the Beaver Creek Trail and a series of rugged county roads.