2013 Map of Model

About this map

Model sits in the high plains of Las Animas County, a landscape defined by the drainage networks of the western high desert. In the southern portion of the quadrangle, the Purgatoire River carves a deep path through the terrain, historically serving as a critical water source and navigation point marked by the Fishers Crossing landmark. The area is characterized by seasonal watercourses like Blackwell Arroyo and Luning Arroyo, which create a complex system of draws and ridges. A sparse but organized network of county roads, including Co RD-52 and Co RD-48, connects the small settlement of Model to the surrounding ranchland. This 2013 survey illustrates the enduring patterns of rural land use and the reliance on natural water features in this arid region of southern Colorado.