1981 Map of Mount Bigelow

About this map

Coronado National Forest landscapes dominate this 1981 survey of the Santa Catalina Mountains, revealing a terrain shaped by high-altitude forestry, early 20th-century mining, and recreational development. The northern slopes of Stratton Ridge are marked by several historic mineral claims, including the Geesaman Mine Group, Stratton Mine, and Daily Mine Group, reflecting the area's copper and silver prospecting era. At higher elevations, the Mt Lemmon Highway provides access to a network of forest service sites and camps, from the Palisade Ranger Station to the Soldier Camp and Bear Wallow Campground. The map details specialized scientific and communication infrastructure concentrated near the peaks, featuring an Observatory, multiple Radio Towers, and a Lookout Tower on Mount Bigelow. Water sources are vital features in this arid environment, noted by a series of springs like Big Alder Spring and the man-made Rose Canyon Lake.