1980 Map of Burro Mesa

About this map

The Luis Maria Baca Float No 5 land grant dominates the northern expanse of this Yavapai County landscape, a reminder of the complex history of private land claims in Arizona. During the late 1970s, this area remained largely undeveloped, characterized by a network of ranching infrastructure and remote terrain. Named water sources such as Oley Tank, McElheny Tank, and Upper Cypress Spring highlight the critical importance of water management for cattle operations across the mesas. The landscape is deeply incised by drainages like Hellzapoppin Canyon and Burro Creek, with livestock trails and 4WD tracks providing the only access. Traces of human activity are evident in the presence of Ruins south of the Middle Water Canyon, along with a remote Landing Strip situated near Bolix Hollow. This survey captures a moment when the traditional ranching lifestyle relied on these isolated outposts between Bozarth Mesa and Conger Mesa.