2014 Map of Coburn Canyon

About this map

The Niobrara River carves a deep valley through the Nebraska Sandhills along the border of Sheridan and Cherry Counties. This landscape is defined by its sparse settlement and reliance on crossing points like Lavaca Bridge, Case Bridge, and Hardin Bridge, which connect the remote ranching roads that segment the tablelands. For genealogists, the Lavaca Cem near the river's northern bend provides a specific point of historical record in an otherwise open terrain. The map's topography highlights the dramatic descent into Coburn Canyon and the prominence of Rock Hill, illustrating the erosional forces that have shaped this portion of the Great Plains. These named crossings and landmarks reveal the vital infrastructure required to navigate the water-carved breaks of the Niobrara in the early 21st century.