1963 Map of Bonner Canyon

About this map

The Continental Divide winds through this high-elevation wilderness within the Gila National Forest, marking a fundamental hydrological split in the American Southwest. This 1963 survey captures a landscape defined by complex drainage systems and isolated cattle-tanks, essential infrastructure for the region's ranching history. Distinctive local names like Rastus Flats, Me Own Hill, and Diamond Bar point to early land use and personal claims in this corner of Grant County. The topography is deeply incised by significant watercourses including South Diamond Creek, Bonner Canyon, and Black Canyon, which flow between prominent peaks like Spring Mountain and Aspen Mtn. In the far south, the headwaters of the Mimbres R begin their descent, illustrating the varied terrain where Sierra, Grant, and Catron counties meet.