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1972 Map of Buzzard Roost Mesa

Name: 1972 Topographic Map of Buzzard Roost Mesa
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1988
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1988

About this map

The Tonto National Forest defines this high-elevation landscape, where cattle ranching and isolated habitations were supported by a complex network of springs and tanks. The map records several remote outposts, including the Flying W Ranch, Houdon Cabin, and the Spring Creek Ranch further south. These sites were connected by a series of primitive roads and trails that navigate the deep incisions of Breadpan Canyon and Bryant Canyon.

Evidence of resource extraction and local industry is marked by the Spring Creek Mine and a dedicated Landing Strip on the high flat of Buzzard Roost Mesa. Named topographical features like Potato Butte, Jim Sam Butte, and Cline Mesa serve as essential landmarks across the broken terrain. The density of water management features, such as Clover Spring Tank and Shipping Pasture Tank, underscores the critical importance of water for sustaining livestock in this arid Arizona backcountry.