1967 Map of Malpais Mesa

About this map

Malpais Mesa dominates the landscape of this Yavapai County quadrangle as it appeared in the late 1960s. The terrain is defined by a series of drainage systems, most notably the South Fork Santa Maria River and the winding course of Black Canyon Wash. These seasonal watercourses are vital features in this arid environment, often punctuated by isolated water sources such as a Spring or Well that supported cattle or prospectors in the area. Evidence of human passage is sparse, indicated primarily by a Jeep Trail that navigates the complex topography. In the northeast, Waterman Creek feeds into the river system, illustrating the natural watershed patterns of the high desert before significant modern development altered the region's character.