2021 Map of Cataract Tank

About this map

Kaibab National Forest lands dominate this high-plateau landscape, where water management is the primary evidence of human activity. The terrain is deeply incised by Cataract Canyon, with the seasonal Cataract Cr winding through its floor. This arid environment required a network of man-made reservoirs, or tanks, to support cattle ranching and wildlife. Named features like Frenchman Tank, Yeager Tank, and Flying H Tank reflect the history of local land use and grazing rights. Navigation across this territory is facilitated by primitive routes such as PB RD and Old S RD, which connect these isolated water sources. To the south, Mesa Tank and Burro Spring provide further evidence of the critical importance of reliable water in this desert forest, marking points of interest for those studying the ranching heritage of Coconino County.