2013 Map of Blue Mountain

About this map

The San Mateo Mountains dominate this high-altitude landscape within the Cibola National Forest. Rising toward significant elevations at Apache Kid Peak and Milligan Peak, the terrain is defined by a dense network of drainages and named canyons. Numerous watering points, including Indian Spring, Hardscrabble Spring, and Alexander Spring, reflect the vital importance of water sources in this arid high-country environment. The naming of features like Holdup Mtn and Kelly Canyon hints at the human history of the region, where difficult topography once provided refuge or dictated the paths of early travelers. The map reveals a complex system of ridges and basins, such as Tonto Basin, and high-country passes like Cyclone Saddle, which have historically governed movement through this portion of Socorro County.