2011 Map of Paonia Reservoir

About this map

Paonia Reservoir and the Paonia Dam dominate this high-altitude landscape where Muddy Creek and Anthracite Creek converge. The topography is defined by massive flat-topped landforms including Raven Mesa, Snowshoe Mesa, and Coal Creek Mesa, which rise above deep incisions like Dark Canyon and Snowshoe Canyon. In this 2011 survey, the area remains a landscape of ranching and remote outposts, evidenced by the presence of Hotchkiss Ranch, Snowshoe Cabin, and Snowshoe Cow Camp. A network of irrigation infrastructure, including the Twin-Forks Ditch, Elkhorn Stump Ditch, and Fillmore Ditch, supports the local geography. Significant natural landmarks such as Marcellina Mountain and Erickson Springs provide further orientation within this complex system of gulches and creeks.