2020 Map of Carracas Canyon

About this map

Carson National Forest defines the rugged character of this Rio Arriba County landscape, where the high country is marked by the prominent Frijoles Peak and the expansive plateaus of Carracas Mesa and American Mesa. This modern topographic survey illustrates a complex network of drainage systems, including Salada Canyon and Carracas Canyon, which cut deeply through the terrain. The presence of vital water sources like Boiler Spring, Vallo Spring, and Willow Spring points to the essential locations for livestock and wildlife in this arid environment. The map also traces Forest Rd 312 as it winds through the canyons, providing a window into the modern management of these public lands. Small water bodies such as Ed Ladd Lake and Santiago Pond serve as rare catchments within the basin-and-ridge topography.