2013 Map of Juniata Reservoir

About this map

Grand Mesa National Forest defines the eastern boundary of this high-desert plateau, where complex irrigation networks dictate the patterns of rural settlement. The landscape is dominated by the flat-topped Purdy Mesa and Reeder Mesa, landforms that necessitated the construction of an intricate system of water works, including the Lander Extension Ditch, Juniata Ditch, and Bower-Ditch. These engineered waterways feed several high-altitude catchments like Juniata Reservoir and Hallenbeck Reservoir. Local ranching life is anchored by the Cross Barr Cross Ranch, situated near the confluence of the N Fork Kannah Cr and Kannah Cr. This map documents the intersection of public forest land and private ranching interests, traced by historical roads like Lands End Rd and Reeder Mesa Rd that climb through the drainage basins of Whitewater Cr and Indian Cr.