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2018 Map of Murphy Peak

Name: 2018 Topographic Map of Murphy Peak
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2018
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2018

About this map

Murphy Peak and Bartolo Mtn anchor this high-desert landscape along the border of Pima and Santa Cruz counties. The terrain is characterized by a complex network of arroyos and canyons, including Murphy Canyon, Jalisco Canyon, and Cedar Canyon, which flow through the western foothills of the Tumacacori Mountains. Evidence of a water-dependent ranching economy is visible in the numerous livestock tanks scattered across the land, such as Bear Grass Tank, Moyza Tank, and Amole Tank.

Modern infrastructure is limited to primitive routes like Apache Canyon Rd and Universal Ranch Rd that cross into the Coronado National Forest. This 2018 survey reveals a landscape where topographic landmarks like Dicks Peak and Apache Pass remain the primary points of orientation. The presence of natural water sources like Red Spring and Turtle Spring provides a contrast to the artificial water management systems required to sustain local land use in this arid environment.