1980 Map of Big Bend Crossing

About this map

Devil Creek carves a deep, sinuous path through this high desert landscape on the border of Owyhee and Twin Falls counties. This 1980 survey captures the isolated character of the Snake River Plain hinterlands, where historic ford sites like Big Bend Crossing and Old Bend Crossing provided essential passage across the canyon. The terrain is defined by prominent volcanic landmarks, including the broad elevations of Black Butte and Marshall Butte. The map reflects a landscape primarily utilized for open-range ranching, evidenced by the presence of a Corral, a Water Tank, and isolated water sources like Heil Well. A network of unpaved tracks and a Jeep Trail navigate the complex drainage systems of Cedar Draw and John Boyd Draw, illustrating the difficulty of travel through this dissected volcanic plateau during the late twentieth century.