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2016 Map of Independence Mountain

Name: 2016 Topographic Map of Independence Mountain
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2016
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2016

About this map

Independence Mountain dominates the center of this landscape in North Park, serving as a focal point for a complex network of high-altitude water management. The area is defined by an intricate system of irrigation and storage, including the Bighorn Cattle Company Ditch, Huntington Ditch, and Independence Ditch, which redirect snowmelt from the surrounding peaks. Numerous catchments like Wills Reservoir and Hunter Reservoir punctuate the drainage basins of Spring Cr and Threemile Cr.

The presence of family and topographical landmarks such as Dead Horse Hill, Sugar Loaf, and Lawrence Draw suggests a history of cattle ranching and seasonal movement through the gulches. Transportation is primarily limited to rural routes like Co RD 35 and Parsons Draw Rd, which navigate the terrain between Trappers Gulch and the banks of Placer Cr. This map illustrates the vital role of water rights and engineering in sustaining the high-country ranching economy of Jackson County.