2017 Map of Phister Ranch

About this map

Buffalo Gap National Grassland dominates the landscape of this corner of Fall River County, where the high plains of South Dakota transition into a network of dry draws and seasonal drainages. Ranching life is etched into the topography through namesake features like Phister Ranch and Wallace Ranch, reflecting the enduring agricultural heritage of the region. The map reveals a land defined by water management in a semi-arid environment, notable in the presence of Crowe Dam and the sprawling Coffee Flats. Significant natural drainages including Cottonwood Cr, Alum Cr, and Softwater Cr carve through the terrain, while topographical depressions such as Buck Draw, Hay Draw, and Coyote Draw provide a detailed look at the local geomorphology. This 2017 survey shows how modern infrastructure like CO Hwy 8 and various township roads interface with the vast public lands and private ranch holdings of the Black Hills foothills.