2022 Map of Bijou Basin

About this map

The high plains of Elbert County meet the southern drainage of the Platte River system in this topographic study. The Bijou Basin dominates the central landscape, a broad valley carved by the seasonal flows of West Bijou Creek and its tributaries like W Bijou Cr. The area reflects a sparse, ranching-oriented settlement pattern typical of the Colorado plains, punctuated by isolated landmarks such as Red Cloud Ridge. Local history is anchored by small, private burial sites including the Roehling Grave and the Silva Ranch Cem, alongside the Bijou Basin Cem. Water management is central to life here, evidenced by several catchments like the Triple L Detention Reservoir Number 1 and Max Killian Reservoir. Near the northern boundary, the Flying G Air Ranch indicates the modern integration of aviation into this traditional rangeland.