1971 Map of Ortega Mountain

About this map

Ortega Mtn dominates this high-altitude landscape in eastern Arizona, marking a transition point within the Sitgreaves National Forest. The geography is defined by volcanic features and high-desert basins, most notably the White Lakes Basin and several cinder-coned landmarks like Dobbins Knoll. Water management in this arid environment is evident through a network of livestock tanks and small seasonal lakes, including Mannerheim Tank, Ortega Lake, and Boca Lake. The drainage patterns of Brown Creek and Ortega Draw suggest the importance of surface water flow for the local ranching and forest management efforts. The presence of multiple Cinder Pits and a Borrow Pit indicates local mineral extraction, likely for road maintenance and surfacing. The border between Navajo and Apache Counties bisects the terrain, illustrating the jurisdictional divide in this forested region.