2020 Map of Arroyo Seco

About this map

The mountain settlements of Valdez and Arroyo Seco sit at the base of the high Sangre de Cristo Mountains, where the agricultural heritage of Taos County is visible through a complex network of traditional water management. The map documents vital irrigation infrastructure, including the Rio Lucero Diversion, Arroyo Seco Ditch, and Tenorio Ditch, which channel water from the peaks to the valley floor. Much of the northern terrain is dominated by the Carson National Forest, containing high-altitude landmarks such as Lobo Peak and Perra Peak. The transition from the steep wilderness of Hondo Canyon and San Cristobal Canyon to the residential areas along Gallina Rd and Rte Du Soleil illustrates the unique settlement pattern of the region, where narrow canyons open into fertile basins supported by the Rio Hondo and Arroyo Seco watercourses.