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1966 Map of Weavers Needle

Name: 1966 Topographic Map of Weavers Needle
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1971
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1971

About this map

The Superstition Wilderness dominates this mid-1960s survey, revealing a landscape defined by its network of footpaths and legendary landmarks. The iconic monolith of Weavers Needle stands as a central orientation point for the surrounding Superstition Mountains, where narrow canyons like Needle Canyon and Boulder Canyon converge. The map documents a time of active backcountry usage, featuring named camps such as Williams Camp and Reeds Camp, alongside the established Quarter Circle U Ranch to the south.

Mineral exploration and cattle ranching history is etched into the terrain through features like the Miller Mines, Carney Springs Mine, and Geronimo Cave. The critical importance of water in this arid environment is evident in the dozens of named seeps and tanks, including Charlebois Spring and Indian Spring No 1. Historical transit routes like the Dutchmans Trail and Peralta Trail provide a clear view of how travelers navigated these high basins and volcanic cliffs.