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2022 Map of Cottonwood Basin

Name: 2022 Topographic Map of Cottonwood Basin
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2022
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2022

About this map

Uncompahgre National Forest encompasses much of this high-elevation landscape, where a series of prominent mesas and deep drainage basins define the terrain. The topography is characterized by flat-topped features like Twentyfive Mesa, Sawmill Mesa, and Monitor Mesa, which are separated by a complex network of gulches and draws. This region serves as a vital watershed, evidenced by a high density of small water storage sites including the Harry White Reservoirs, Lower Ed Lee Reservoir, and Big Monitor Reservoir Number 1.

Remote trails and forest roads, such as the Monitor Bench Trl and Traver Trl, navigate the steep elevation changes between the basin floors and the mesa rims. Named landmarks like Peach Orchard Point and Black Point suggest a history of localized land use and navigation in an area dominated by natural features rather than concentrated settlements. This map highlights the intricate relationship between the elevated 7 N Mesa and the drainage systems of Potter Cr and Cottonwood Cr.