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1971 Map of Emory Peak

Name: 1971 Topographic Map of Emory Peak
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1988
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1988

About this map

Emory Peak rises as the central focal point of this high-altitude desert landscape within Big Bend National Park. The survey highlights the complex topography of the Chisos Mountains, where vital water sources like Cattail Springs, Ward Spring, and Boot Spring dictated the placement of human activity in an otherwise arid environment. Evidence of early cattle ranching and frontier life is visible at the Blue Creek Ranch and various labeled Corrals found along the drainage of Blue Creek.

Transport in this era relied heavily on an intricate network of paths, including the Dodson Trail and several Pack Trails, which navigated the steep elevation changes between Laguna Meadow and the dramatic South Rim. To the south, the terrain descends into the jagged Sierra Quemada and past distinctive landmarks like Elephant Tusk and Backbone Ridge. The map also identifies modern infrastructure such as a Radio Tower and older remnants noted simply as Ruins, reflecting the layers of occupation in the Brewster County highlands.