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1966 Map of Cottonwood Canyon

Name: 1966 Topographic Map of Cottonwood Canyon
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1969
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1969

About this map

The Bighorn National Forest boundary defines the eastern edge of this landscape, where the terrain drops sharply from the high plateau of Lowmiller Bench into the deep incision of Cottonwood Creek Canyon. In the late 1960s, this area of Big Horn County was characterized by its complex hydrology, with numerous water sources like Harmon Springs and Moncur Springs feeding into drainage systems such as Five Springs Creek and Sheep Creek. The presence of Melody Falls and various prospects suggest a geography that was actively navigated by local ranchers and mineral seekers.

Human infrastructure is sparse, limited primarily to a network of Pack Trails and Jeep Trails that traverse the ridges. Water management is evident in the western reaches through the High Ditch system, which redirects flow from Cottonwood Creek. For those interested in early recreational development, the Rainbow Canyon Observation Point and an adjacent Picnic Area mark the early efforts to provide access to the area's striking natural vistas.