1999 Map of Alma

About this map

Alma and its surrounding ranchlands sit at the confluence of the San Francisco River and Mineral Creek in Catron County. This high-altitude landscape is characterized by a series of mesas and canyons, including Cradle Mesa and Racetrack Mesa, that are deeply integrated into the Gila National Forest and Apache National Forest. The map documents a rugged livestock-driven economy, evidenced by a network of ranch sites like the LH Ranch, W-S Ranch, and the Mc Keen Ranch. A Historical Bridge spans the river near the Spurgeon ranch sites, marking a critical crossing point for local transit. The presence of numerous water management features, such as Alma Tank, Hanging Rocks Tank, and Hells Acre Tank, highlights the essential infrastructure required to sustain agriculture and grazing in this arid terrain. North of the settlement, the Blue Range Wilderness remains largely undeveloped, defined by prominent elevations like Indian Peak.