2021 Map of Muskrat Basin

About this map

Beaver Rim serves as the defining geographic divide in this high-plains landscape of Fremont County, dropping off sharply into the drainage systems of the Muskrat Basin. The hydrology of the region is characterized by seasonal watercourses and intermittent draws that have carved deep into the terrain over generations. Water flows through various branches including Muskrat Cr and Buffalo Cr, which provided critical water sources for early ranching operations in this part of Wyoming. To the north, the terrain is marked by significant erosion features such as Middle Fork Horseshoe Draw and East Fork Horseshoe Draw. This 2021 update by the U.S. Geological Survey preserves the historical land survey grid and original place names, showing how the movement of water across the Cottonwood Draw continues to shape the local geography.