2023 Map of Atencio

About this map

Atencio sits in the high desert of northeastern Union County, where the plains give way to a complex network of eroded drainages. The landscape is defined by the winding course of Carrizozo Creek and the prominent Piñon Ridge, which overlooks a series of narrow cuts including Dry Canyon, Rodriguez Canyon, and Box Canyon. This 2023 survey provides a clear look at the sparse settlement patterns of the region, anchored by the local cemetery and isolated ranch roads. The presence of the Atencio Cem serves as a vital marker for genealogists, providing a permanent record of the families who inhabited this arid corner of New Mexico. The transition from mesa tops to canyon floors is mapped with precision, showing the rugged paths of Road Canyon and Trujillo Canyon as they navigate the breaks toward the southeastern corner of the quadrangle.