1965 Map of Rice Ranch

About this map

Rice Ranch serves as a primary reference point in this mid-1960s survey of the high desert and mountain country of the Gila National Forest. The landscape is defined by the sharp transition from the broad slopes of Rain Creek Mesa to the intricate canyon systems carved by Sacaton Creek and Mogollon Creek. This era of land management is visible in the preservation of the Gila Wilderness Boundary, where mechanized access was restricted to the Jeep Trail and Pack Trail systems. Evidence of local industry and infrastructure includes the Lone Pine Hill Mine in the northern reaches and the remote Sacaton Landing Strip, which provided essential aerial access to this isolated portion of Grant County. The map also captures several family-named landmarks and water sources such as Mud Spring and the West Tank, vital for ranching and forest operations.