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2023 Map of Arabela

Name: 2023 Topographic Map of Arabela
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2023
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2023

About this map

Arabela sits at the junction of several canyon systems in Lincoln County, where the high terrain of the Capitan Mountains Wilderness meets the lower drainage basins. This area of the Lincoln National Forest is defined by its vital water sources, including Las Palas Spring and Bluewater Spring, which historically supported remote ranching and settlement. The small community at Arabela is anchored by Las Palas Cem, a significant site for local family history and genealogy.

The landscape transitions from peaks like Sunset Peak and Ramirez Peak down into rugged draws such as Hale Canyon and Michallas Canyon. The mapping of seasonal water courses like Zeufeldt Arroyo and Agua Chiquita Creek illustrates the complex hydrology required to sustain life in this arid environment. To the northwest, Pine Lodge and Boy Scout Mtn mark the edge of the more heavily forested uplands.