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2011 Map of Steamboat Point

Name: 2011 Topographic Map of Steamboat Point
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2011
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2011

About this map

Giles sits at the northern edge of this high desert landscape, positioned along the meandering path of the Fremont River. The terrain is defined by dramatic elevation changes, notably the Skyline Rim which overlooks the expansive Blue Valley and the prominent landmark of Steamboat Point. The geography reflects a complex network of seasonal drainages including Town Wash, Coaly Wash, and Birch Creek, which carve through the land toward the Blue Valley Benches.

Evidence of water management and local survival in this arid environment is found at Bert Avery Seep, a rare water source among the ridges of the Pinto Hills. To the south, the landscape opens into Dry Valley, where the confluence of Bull Creek and other washes meet near White Point. This 2011 survey documents a region where the natural topography dictated the placement of small outposts and transport routes through the desert breaks of Wayne County.