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2020 Map of Bixler Ranch

Name: 2020 Topographic Map of Bixler Ranch
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2020
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2020

About this map

Bixler Ranch stands as a focal point of human habitation within the vast, dissected plateaus of Carson National Forest. This high-elevation landscape in Rio Arriba County is defined by prominent landforms such as American Mesa and Mestenas Mesa, which overlook a complex network of drainages including Ulibarri Canyon and Vaqueros Canyon. The mapping reveals the vital role of water management in this arid environment, evidenced by livestock water sources like Chicosa Tank, Mud Spring, and Preacher Tank.

Geological features are distinctly marked, notably the Hole-in-the-Rock-Dike near the eastern boundary and the broad expanse of the San Juan Basin to the west. The drainage system of Cabresto Cr and Chicosa Canon illustrates the natural erosion patterns that have shaped the mesas. This contemporary survey documents the intersection of ranching infrastructure with federal forest lands and rugged volcanic and sedimentary terrain.