1999 Map of Wind Mountain

About this map

Large-scale industrial activity dominates the southeastern reaches of this New Mexico landscape at the Tyrone Mine, where extensive tailings piles, tailings ponds, and mine dumps reveal the magnitude of local copper extraction. These heavy earthworks contrast sharply with the protected terrain of the Gila National Forest, which spans much of the central and western sections. The map traces the Continental Divide as it winds through the Burro Mountains and the Little Burro Mountains, marking a primary hydrological boundary. Between these ranges lies the Mangas Valley, carved by Mangas Creek and its many tributaries like Willow Creek. Numerous prospects and water tanks are scattered across the slopes of Wind Mountain and Sugarloaf Mountain, while canyons such as Sawmill Canyon and Silver Dale Canyon provide evidence of the area's timber and ranching history.