1967 Map of Malpais Mesa

About this map

Malpais Mesa dominates this 1960s landscape, where the high basaltic plateau overlooks a complex drainage system of ephemeral washes and perennial streams. The topography is defined by the Santa Maria River and its South Fork, which carve through the arid terrain of Yavapai County. The mapping reveals a sparse human footprint, centered primarily on land management and ranching resources like the scattered Well and Spring locations essential for cattle in this desert environment. Movement through the area is limited to a primitive Jeep Trail, illustrating the isolation of this corner of Arizona. Other drainage features including Waterman Creek, Black Canyon Wash, and Cottonwood Canyon provide a detailed look at the erosional patterns that have shaped the mesa's surroundings, offering a clear picture of the region's physical geography before modern development or intensive grazing impacts.