1961 Map of Arroyo Empedrado

About this map

Mesa San Luis dominates this high-desert landscape in Sandoval County, defined by a complex network of seasonal drainage systems and natural water catchments. The mapping, based on 1958 aerial photography and field checked in 1961, shows a terrain shaped by the intermittent flows of the Torreon Wash and Arroyo Chico. Notable landmarks like Rincon Largo and Laguna de la Leña illustrate the vital importance of water management in this arid region. The inclusion of the Cabezon Community Reservoir in the southeastern corner highlights the intersection of the natural landscape and local resource needs during the mid-20th century. Numerous smaller arroyos, such as Arroyo Piedra Lumbre and Arroyo de Rosendo, weave between the mesas, marking the traditional routes and naming conventions of the area's residents.