2018 Map of Cipriano Pass

About this map

The Gila Mountains dominate the central spine of this 2018 survey, providing a detailed look at the arid topography of Yuma County. The map documents the stark transition from the high peaks down into the Lechuguilla Desert to the east and the Butler Mountains to the west. This territory is defined by its dramatic relief and natural corridors, most notably the Cipriano Pass which cuts between the Gila and the Tinajas Altas Mountains in the southeastern quadrant. The absence of modern development highlights the preserved nature of these public lands, where the terrain itself dictates the movement of people and wildlife through the Sonoran landscape. Researchers will find the detailed contour intervals essential for understanding the drainage patterns and desert bajadas that characterize this remote corner of the American Southwest.