1981 Map of John Kerr Peak

About this map

Continental Divide crests through this high-elevation landscape within the Gila National Forest, defining the watershed between the peaks of the Gila Mountains and the lower canyons. The 1981 mapping shows a terrain dominated by remote water sources and cattle infrastructure, where numerous named tanks and springs like Govina Canyon Spring and Cottonwood Tank supported ranching and forestry. The central landmark, John Kerr Peak, towers over a network of rugged paths including the Back Trail and several Jeep Trails. This survey preserves the exact locations of many essential water points such as Long Canyon Windmill and North Squirrel Springs, which were critical for navigating this arid environment before modern developments. The presence of the Tularosa and Wagontongue Mountain indicates the prominence of these named ridges in local navigation and land management.