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1997 Map of Bear Mountain

Name: 1997 Topographic Map of Bear Mountain
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2000
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2000

About this map

Apache National Forest lands dominate this late twentieth-century survey, centered on the deeply carved canyon of the Blue River. The landscape is defined by its isolation and limited infrastructure, characterized by several remote ranches like Lee Ranch and Tolbert Ranch that utilize the scarce flat ground near the water's edge. Access throughout the area relies on paths such as the Sawmill Trail, which navigates between high features like Fishhook Mesa and Steeple Mesa.

A notable concentration of named springs, including White Oak Spring, Sweetie Spring, and Ice Cream Cone Spring, indicates the vital importance of water sources in this arid high-elevation environment. The southern portion of the map covers the Blue Range Primitive Area, a designation that preserves the wild character of the terrain. Prominent landmarks such as the Lookout Tower on Bear Mountain and the water crossing at Belka Crossing serve as essential reference points for navigation through the complex network of canyons like Sweetie Canyon and Barnes Canyon.