2013 Map of Carracas Canyon

About this map

Carracas Mesa and the high desert canyons of Rio Arriba County define this landscape within the Carson National Forest. The map traces a network of drainage systems including Carracas Canyon, Frijoles Canyon, and La Chamisalosa Canyon, reflecting the intricate topography of the region. Human presence in this high-altitude environment is marked by the Carracas Cem in the northwest corner and the remote Buzzard Park Campground to the south. Water sources, vital for survival and livestock in this arid terrain, are identified through family-named or descriptive landmarks like Ed Ladd Lake, Boiler Spring, and Grösbeck Tank. These features, along with the distinct Frijoles Peak, suggest a history of seasonal ranching and land use that predates the modern forest service roads like Forest Road 312 that now navigate the area.