1962 Map of Big Lue Mts

About this map

The San Francisco River and Blue River converge in this high-elevation wilderness along the border of Arizona and New Mexico. This 1962 field-checked survey reveals a landscape primarily defined by the Gila National Forest and the Big Lue Mts, where numerous springs and stock tanks like Maverick Spring and Salt Ground Tank supported ranching operations. The presence of a Cliff Dwelling near the river suggests a long history of human habitation predating the modern cattle era. Movement through the complex canyons is marked by numerous Jeep Trails and significant passes such as Sixshooter Gap and Stockton Gap. The mapping of the Big Lue Ranch and local peaks like McMullen Peak and Chalk Peak provides a clear view of the mid-century geography of Greenlee County, Arizona, and Catron County, New Mexico.