2024 Map of Van Dusen Spring

About this map

Van Dusen Spring serves as a central landmark in this remote corner of Garfield County, where the topography is defined by a complex network of seasonal drainages and cattle-country water infrastructure. The landscape is carved by deep watercourses such as Klein Coulee, Lynch Coulee, and Smiley Coulee, which channel runoff toward the more substantial Sand Creek. Human presence is marked primarily by ranching-related modifications to the terrain, including Guesanborn Reservoir and the winding path of E Sand Creek Rd. This modern survey reveals how the natural hydrology of Alkali Draw and Wickstrom Coulee dictates the movement of people and livestock across the high plains. The map's detailed contour lines illustrate the intricate breaks and coulees typical of the eastern Montana rangelands, highlighting the critical importance of reliable water sources in an otherwise arid environment.