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2013 Map of Cottonwood Basin

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

USGS Topo · Published 2013

About this map

The Uncompahgre National Forest dominates this high-plateau landscape, where a sophisticated network of upland water management defines the local geography. Numerous small reservoirs and irrigation features, such as the Harry White Reservoirs and the series of Lee Reservoirs, suggest a history of managing runoff across the arid mesas. The terrain is deeply incised by drainages like Cottonwood Cr and Monitor Cr, creating a sequence of elevated plateaus including Sawmill Mesa and Delta Mesa.

Evidence of early forestry and ranching activity is scattered throughout the district, anchored by Fall Cabin Camp. The transportation network relies on remote forest routes like the Nucla-Delta Rd and the Cottonwood Trail 610.0, which connect these isolated basins to the larger regional valleys. Distinctive landmarks such as Peach Orchard Point and Little Black Point provide clear orientation points for those studying the land use patterns of this part of Montrose County.