1969 Map of Cow Creek

About this map

The Yampa River and the Denver and Rio Grande Western railroad corridor define the northern boundary of this high-country landscape, where the confluence with the Elk River marks a critical junction in the regional drainage system. To the south, the terrain is shaped by a complex network of tributaries including Trout Creek, Cow Creek, and Foidel Creek, which feed into the primary river valley. Human modification of the arid environment is evident through extensive irrigation infrastructure, notably the Homestead Ditch No 4 and Connell Ditch, alongside the Whetstone Reservoir. Industrial activity in the late 1960s is represented by scattered Oil Wells, a Drill Hole, and multiple Gravel Pits, indicating a period of resource exploration and infrastructure maintenance. The presence of Saddle Mountain provides a prominent landmark overlooking the valleys and seasonal streams like Fish Creek and Middle Creek.