1971 Map of Vernon

About this map

Vernon serves as the focal point of this high-altitude landscape, where the Sitgreaves Nat Forest meets a network of seasonal watercourses and volcanic landforms. Evidence of early cattle ranching and settlement is scattered across the terrain at locations like Floy (Site) near Laguna Salada and Bannon (Site) to the south. The mapping highlights a reliance on sparse water sources, such as Laguna Salada Spring and Little Ortega Lake, which provided critical relief in this arid region of Apache County. Geometric fence lines and the Mineral Creek Jeep Trail indicate a working landscape defined by grazing and resource extraction, specifically at the Cinder Pit near Dutch Mountain. The presence of several named knolls like Smooth Knoll and Burnt Knoll provides a clear view of the volcanic topography that dictates the drainage patterns of Mineral Creek and Sepulveda Creek.