Loading map...

1971 Map of The Basin

Name: 1971 Topographic Map of The Basin
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1978
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1978

About this map

Big Bend National Park serves as the focal point of this 1971 survey, centered on the dramatic geological heart of the Chisos Mountains. The high-altitude topography is defined by prominent summits such as Casa Grande Peak, Pulliam Peak, and Lost Mine Peak, which encircle the central depression known as The Basin. Infrastructure here is concentrated around visitor services, including the Chisos Mountain Lodge, a Campground, and a unique Outdoor Theater.

A network of drainage systems and isolated water sources sustains the desert landscape, from Croton Spring in the north to the plunging Cattail Falls in the west. The map records several named springs like Gano Spring and Oak Spring, alongside historical markers like the Old Ranch. Several paths, including the Apache Trail and various unnamed pack trails, illustrate how travelers navigated this vertical terrain before more modern access through Basin Junction.