DESCRIPTION OF THE COUNTRY. 
35 
seems to connect the northern with the southern portion of the Aztec range. At its junction 
with the steep slopes of the southern peaks, two water-courses are formed. The eastern falls 
down a steep ravine, half a mile to the foot of the hill, and then, joined by a ravine from the 
for a road upon the surface. There are a few water-worn channels, which would he crossed hy 
culverts or short bridges. 
From Camp 101 the course of the trail is south-southwest, toward Mount Hope. Upon the 
right is the northern part of the Aztec range of mountains, and from the base of its steep sides 
low spurs of hills extend westwardly, gradually sloping to the edge of Yal de China. Through 
these hills, which are covered with cedar trees, the trail ascends the gentle slope of a small 
ravine to its head near station 5. Thence it. passes a low ridge and enters a small valley, with 
rich alluvial soil, through which flows a pretty rivulet called Turkey creek. Amidst a grove 
of oak and walnut timber is Camp 102. From Camp 102 to Camp 103 another spur of hills 
is crossed, which separates Turkey creek from Pueblo creek. The latter stream heads at Aztec 
Pass and flows easterly through a wide and deep ravine, dividing this range of mountains into 
two portions ; the northern being horizontally stratified, the southern disturbed and changed by 
subterranean heat. From the foot of the cliffs upon the north to the bed of the rivulet, the 
slopes are regular, affording a side location for a railway, with favorable grades around the 
southeastern and southern declivities, from the ridge near Turkey creek to Aztec Pass ; thus 
avoiding the descent to Camp 103 upon Pueblo creek. There is considerable arable soil upon 
this stream, and in the vicinity a variety of sylva. The mountains are covered with pine 
timber ; the living streams are bordered with oak, cotton-wood, walnut, or ash, and the hills 
yield a dense growth of cedars. 
Aztec Pass is between Camps 104 and 105. It is upon the top of a low granitic spur, which 
View of Aztec Pass from the Indian ruins, looking south. 
