1963 Map of Sign Camp Mountain

About this map

Sign Camp Mountain serves as a prominent high point in this 1963 survey of the Gila National Forest, where the landscape is defined by the significant topographic break of the Mogollon Divide. The terrain is deeply incised by complex drainage systems like Sign Camp Canyon, Russ Canyon, and Pistol Canyon. The few signs of human infrastructure are focused on ranching and forest management, exemplified by the Kiehne Ranch and numerous water catchments such as Bear Tank and Six-shooter Tank. High-altitude transportation is represented by the isolated Rainy Mesa Airstrip and the winding Beaverhead Road. This map illustrates the vital role of water management in high-country grazing, with a high density of named tanks and springs across the Sheep Basin Divide and the broad flats of Rainy Mesa.