Saguaro Junction and the Copper Basin
Saguaro Junction is a small city in the dry Copper Basin region. On the map, the Rio Sol flows east along the north side of town. South of the river is Cottonwood Plain, a broad, flat area where most of the town is built. Many homes and farms are near the river, but they stand on ground above the river's floodplain.
West of town, Red Mesa rises with steep sides. Its rocky slopes have little soil and few homes. East of town, Juniper Ridge is higher than the plain. The ridge is cooler and rockier, and a small spring flows from its lower edge. Dry Wash runs south from Red Mesa. It carries water only after some storms.
The Copper Basin has very hot summers, little rainfall, and cooler winters. Many Saguaro Junction homes are built close together and include shaded outdoor spaces. People use water from the Rio Sol and the spring for homes and farms. The map shows that the city's places are not spread evenly across the basin.