1983 Map of Pinto Valley

About this map

Government Holes stands as a vital landmark in this high desert landscape, marking a historic watering point where the Pinto Valley meets the lower reaches of the New York Mountains. This 1983 provisional survey captures the rugged transition between the northern peaks and the sweeping expanse of Lanfair Valley to the south. The terrain is defined by deep incisions like Caruthers Canyon and Fourth of July Canyon, which channel seasonal runoff toward Watson Wash. Evidence of small-scale mountain industry remains at the Barnett Mine, while vital water sources such as Rock Spring and Howe Spring indicate the essential points of survival in this arid environment. The map details the complex drainage patterns and livestock areas like Ross Horse Pasture, reflecting a late 20th-century landscape still tied to its ranching and prospecting roots.