2021 Map of Horse Mesa Dam

About this map

Horse Mesa Dam serves as the central focal point of this arid landscape, where the Salt River is impounded to form the winding waters of Apache Lake. Set within the Tonto National Forest, the topography is defined by dramatic elevation changes and named rock formations like the Walls of Bronze and Painted Cliffs. Historically significant routes, most notably the Apache Trl, traverse the complex network of canyons and mesas, following the natural contours of the Salt River Valley. Remote water sources, including Hells Hole Spring and O'Connell Spring, suggest the critical importance of reliable water in this desert environment. The map details a region where infrastructure and natural barriers meet, from the depths of Fish Creek Canyon to the heights of Fish Creek Peak.