1968 Map of Ruelas Canyon

About this map

The Tortolita Mountains dominate the northern landscape of this region, giving way to a network of desert canyons and sprawling ranchlands in the late 1960s. Family-named outposts like Mc Kenzie Ranch, T-Bench-Bar Ranch, and Jurko Ranch are scattered across the alluvial fans, connected by primitive Jeep Trails and newly established thoroughfares such as El Camino De Manana. The southwestern corner of the area is defined by the corridor of the Santa Cruz River, where the Southern Pacific railroad line follows the watercourse. This era shows the early transition of the desert floor from traditional ranching toward modern infrastructure, evidenced by the appearing grid of roads like Tangerine Road and La Cholla Boulevard alongside established landmarks like the local Substation.