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1966 Map of Sontag Creek

Name: 1966 Topographic Map of Sontag Creek
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1985
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1985

About this map

The San Carlos Indian Reservation landscape is defined by its critical water sources and rugged drainages as documented during the mid-1960s. High points like Dads Lookout overlook a complex network of canyons, including Bear Canyon and the valley of Sontag Creek. The era's livestock and land management are evident through numerous named water improvements such as Gimme Tank, Cattle Guard Tank, and Walker Park Tank, which supported activity in this remote portion of Gila County.

Resource extraction and transportation in the area are marked by the Bear Canyon Mine and a nearby Borrow Pit, while a remote Landing Strip and various Jeep Trails provide the primary means of access. The presence of multiple natural water points, including Turkey Tank Spring, Blue River Spring, and Cienega Spring, illustrates the traditional reliance on these reliable sources in an otherwise arid environment. This survey provides a clear view of the infrastructure supporting range work and mining in the Blue River drainage before modern developments changed the area.