Loading map...

2021 Map of Wilbur Canyon

Name: 2021 Topographic Map of Wilbur Canyon
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2021
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2021

About this map

Altar Valley defines the western landscape of this Pima County quadrangle, where the tiny settlement of Puertocito sits at the edge of a vast network of desert washes and drainage tanks. The map documents a critical conservation boundary where the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge meets the Coronado National Forest, illustrating the managed transition between the valley floor and the rising slopes of the Las Guijas Mountains and San Luis Mountains.

Ephemeral water sources are central to the geography of this arid region, evidenced by numerous man-made and natural features like McKay Tank, Castle Rock Tank, and Coches Spring. The rugged eastern terrain is carved by Wilbur Canyon and Wilbur Wash, highlighting the complex topography that historically influenced movement and grazing in the Arizona borderlands. Local history researchers can trace the course of Arivaca Rd as it cuts through the northern section, linking these remote desert landmarks.