2014 Map of Butterfield Pass

About this map

Maricopa Mountains dominate this landscape in the Sonoran desert south of Phoenix, where sharp elevation changes define the local geography. The map centers on Butterfield Pass, a geographic gap used historically by the Southern Overland Mail, cutting through the granite peaks that define the region. In the southern portion of the sheet, the small settlement of Estrella sits along the rail line, representing a critical point of human activity in an otherwise arid environment. Modern infrastructure is visible through Az-238 and W Maricopa Rd, which traverse the flat alluvial plains. Water management in this dry climate is evidenced by solitary features like Conley Tank, which serves as a vital resource for both local livestock and desert wildlife in the shadow of the peaks.