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1954 Map of Capilla Peak

Name: 1954 Topographic Map of Capilla Peak
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1969
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1969

About this map

The high ridges of the Manzano Mountains dominate this mid-century survey of the Cibola National Forest, where the transition from desert floor to alpine peaks is clearly marked. Rising to over 9,000 feet, Capilla Peak serves as a focal point for scientific and fire-watch operations, featuring both the Capilla Peak Observatory and a Lookout Tower. The terrain is deeply incised by dozens of canyons, including Cañon de la Mina and Cañon de la Capilla, reflecting a landscape defined by water drainage and seasonal springs like Ojo la Casa.

Tracing the eastern edge of the mountains, the Crest Trail provides a continuous route through the high country above the numerous deep drainages such as Comanche Canyon. Historical human presence is sparse but evident at the Mc Kinley Place (Aband) near the southern border and various picnic grounds scattered along the mountain slopes. The map also delineates the jurisdictional line between Valencia and Torrance Counties, which bisects the steep western escarpment of the range.