2023 Map of Belen SW

About this map

Rio Puerco defines the eastern boundary of this arid landscape, meandering through a series of dramatic bends as it flows southward along the border of the quadrangle. The terrain is characterized by a series of significant drainage systems, including Arroyo Comanche and Arroyo Alamito, which cut westward across the central and southern sections. These natural features illustrate the complex hydrology of the high desert basin. In the heart of the region, the broad expanse of Montano Flats occupies the higher ground between the arroyos. The map also delineates the jurisdictional boundary between Valencia County and Socorro County, providing a clear record of administrative divisions in this largely uninhabited territory during the early twenty-first century. Minor features like Coyote Draw and Pedro Draw further detail the subtle topography of the basin floor.