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2023 Map of Beargrass Basin

Name: 2023 Topographic Map of Beargrass Basin
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2023
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2023

About this map

The Santa Teresa Mountains dominate this high-desert landscape, defined by a complex network of canyons and perennial water sources. At the northern edge, the settlement of Bylas sits near the base of the mountains, while the interior is marked by significant topographical landmarks like Beargrass Basin and Bates Draw. The distribution of water is a critical element of this terrain, evidenced by numerous named springs such as Willow Spring, Pace Spring, and Dutch Cabin Spring that likely served as vital points for ranching or early travel.

Logistics across these canyons rely on a handful of primitive routes including Moody Camp Rd and several county roads. The landscape is deeply dissected by drainages like Mine Canyon, Goodwin Canyon, and Hackberry Canyon, showcasing a pattern of land use where isolated springs and draws provided the only reliable access points in a challenging environment. This modern survey by the U.S. Geological Survey preserves the specific nomenclature of these desert features, valuable for tracing local land history.