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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

Big Bend National Park dominates this 1971 topographic study, centered on the high desert peaks and canyons of Brewster County. The landscape is defined by the massive volcanic uplift of the Chisos Mountains, featuring the iconic South Rim and the Emory Peak Radio Tower. This area served as a vital water-dependent terrain for early ranchers and travelers, evidenced by the presence of Blue Creek Ranch and numerous water sources like Cattail Springs, Laguna Meadow, and Smoky Spring.

The intricate network of the Pack Trail system connects prominent landmarks such as Elephant Tusk and Dominguez Mountain across the Sierra Quemada. Evidence of past habitation appears as ruins south of the mountains near Fresno Creek. This survey captures the region just as it was being preserved for its unique geology, highlighting the isolation of the Backbone Ridge and the deep cuts of Boot Canyon.