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2016 Map of Barela

Name: 2016 Topographic Map of Barela
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2016
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2016

About this map

Barela and its surrounding high-altitude terrain in Las Animas County define this corner of Southern Colorado, where the landscape transitions from mesas to canyon floors. The settlement of Barela sits near the Barela Cem and the Hermosa Valley Reservoir, serving as a focal point for a region characterized by complex drainage systems like San Francisco Cr and Ocaña Cr. The topography is dominated by massive flat-topped features including Little Fishers Peak Mesa and Barela Mesa, which are separated by significant landmarks such as San Francisco Pass.

Water sources are remarkably dense for this environment, with numerous high-country springs and lakes such as Timberline Spring, Dripping Spring, and Lantin Lake. The map also details the Raton Ski Basin at the southern edge, illustrating the area's recreational utility. Ranching and land-use history are evident in names like Strasia Meadow, Messer Flat, and Julius Parks, providing a geographical framework for understanding the high-plains and mountain-fringe economy of the early twenty-first century.