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1981 Map of Black Hill

Name: 1981 Topographic Map of Black Hill
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1981
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1981

About this map

Black Peak stands as the central topographic focal point within the Apache National Forest, overlooking a landscape defined by seasonal water sources and rugged canyons. The area's reliance on intermittent water is evident in the density of named catchments and tanks, such as Buck Tank, No Agua Tank, and Trap Tank, which supported livestock and wildlife in this high-altitude terrain. Early ranching and range management footprints are visible through features like the Johnson Basin Windmill and the network of jeep trails that navigate the complex topography.

Water distribution follows the drainages of the West Fork Centerfire Creek and East Fork Centerfire Creek, while named springs like Malpais Spring, Hardcastle Spring, and White Bluff Spring highlight critical points of interest for local history and land use. The presence of Hardcastle Gap and Hardcastle Canyon suggests family-named landmarks important to the regional genealogy of Catron County, providing a clear picture of the land's character before modern developments altered these traditional ranching corridors.