Horsethief Canyon

There are two Horsethief Canyons in the area:

One is named on Hepsedam Peak 7.5' quadrangle extending southwest from San Benito River at N36° 20.543; W120° 45.283 at 2555 feet. This is the entrance to the Laguna Ranch. It is called Horsethief Canyon because a short distance up the canyon there is a narrow rock passage formed by two large rocks. Beyond this passage, the shape of the canyon allowed for the construction of a natural corral. It is believed that Tiburcio Vásquez used this canyon to hide stolen horses.

The other Horsethief Canyon is located off of of Salt Creek. It is mentioned in 1915 document and also named on Joaquin Rocks 7.5' quadrangle. This was called Horsethief Canyon because Joaquín Murrieta's horse gang supposedly corralled stolen horses in this natural box canyon.