2020 Map of Black Mountain

About this map

Gila National Forest encompasses the entirety of this high-elevation landscape, where the terrain is defined by a complex network of canyons and high mesas. Black Mountain Mesa and the peak of Black Mtn dominate the central and southern reaches, surrounded by deeply incised features like Wolf Hollow Canyon, Christie Canyon, and Bell Canyon. The absence of permanent settlements is balanced by a significant infrastructure of water management for livestock or wildlife, evidenced by numerous tanks such as Perdido Tank, Armijo Tank, and Lucero Tank. Transport through this remote section of Catron County is limited to primitive routes like Loco Mountain Rd and the access provided by the Beaverhead Airstrip on the eastern edge. This area represents a classic Southwestern backcountry environment where named features often reflect historical ranching or timber activity, such as Trap Corral Canyon and Railroad Canyon.