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2010 Map of Cactus Tank

Name: 2010 Topographic Map of Cactus Tank
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2010
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2010

About this map

Mesa Montosa dominates the high desert terrain of San Miguel County in this 2010 survey, reflecting a landscape shaped by both natural drainage and ranching infrastructure. The arid environment is marked by an essential network of water features including Cactus Tank, Saxon Tank, and Horsehead Tank, which historically supported livestock in this part of New Mexico. Small settlements like Montosa and Alamito Camp are connected by a web of unimproved roads and 4WD tracks, indicating the remote character of the area during the early 21st century.

Industrial activity is noted at the Mesa Montosa East Point Mine, while the Big Red Windmill serves as a distinct landmark for navigation. Natural watercourses such as the Salitre Arroyo and Conchas River carve through the mesa land, punctuated by the seasonal waters of Nafas Lake. This map provides a detailed view of the balance between the natural geology and the human efforts to settle and work the high plains.