2014 Map of Bear Mountain

About this map

The Blue River winds through a complex system of mesas and canyons within the Apache National Forest, defining the hydrological heart of this Greenlee County landscape. The terrain is marked by distinctive geological formations such as Turtle Rock, Muhly Mountain, and the curiously named Ice Cream Cone. Significant elevation changes are visible from the high points of Bear Mountain down to the dramatic narrows of The Box on the river's course. Numerous canyons, including Moonshine Canyon, Sawmill Canyon, and Grapevine Canyon, branch off the main drainage, while high mesas like Steeple Mesa and Crooks Mesa dominate the skyline. Remote water sources are scattered throughout the region, including Thomas Lake, White Oak Spring, and Sweetie Spring, illustrating the critical nature of water management and natural springs in this high-desert environment. This 2014 survey captures the area's intricate network of washes and ridges, such as Telephone Ridge and Dead Juniper Ridge, which speak to the historic communication and naming conventions of this isolated territory.