2019 Map of Horsefly Peak

About this map

Horsefly Peak dominates the high-altitude terrain where the boundaries of Montrose, Ouray, and San Miguel counties converge. This 2019 survey documents a landscape of extensive plateaus and sharp ridges within the Uncompahgre National Forest, characterized by numerous named springs such as Kem Spring, Johnson Spring, and Mexican Cabin Spring. Water management is evident through a series of upland catchments, including Paxton Reservoir, Cottonwood Reservoir, and Hofmann Reservoir. The drainage network is complex, with N Fork Horsefly Cr and W Fork Horsefly Cr cutting through the prominent Horsefly Ridge. To the south, the topography transitions toward Howard Flats and the deep incision of Pleasant Valley Canyon. These landforms, alongside features like Log Hill Mesa and Spruce Mtn, illustrate the high-country ranching and timber environment that continues to define this section of the Uncompahgre Plateau.