1967 Map of Cerro Brillante

About this map

The Continental Divide winds through this high-altitude landscape in New Mexico, separating the watersheds of the American West. The eastern edge of the survey is dominated by the volcanic remnants of The Malpais, where extensive Lava flows define the surface geology. This 1967 field check documents a largely uninhabited volcanic field characterized by numerous peaks such as Cerro Piedrita, Cerro Chato, and the namesake Cerro Brillante. Evidence of human activity is sparse, centered on vital water sources like the Brillante Windmill and Laguna Brillante in the southern reaches. The western margin provides a clear look at the Ramah Indian Res Bdy, illustrating the intersection of tribal lands and the open range. Broad volcanic plains including Chato Flat and The Vega fill the gaps between the cinder cones, offering a detailed perspective of the regional geomorphology before modern land use changes.