2020 Map of Cerro Del Oro

About this map

Cerro del Oro and the adjacent Mesa del Oro dominate this landscape, which defines the high-desert character of Cibola County. The terrain is deeply incised by drainages such as Arroyo Colorado and Cañon Palo Blanco, revealing a surface where water management is essential for land use. The distribution of numerous water catchments, including Horse Pasture Tank, Big Pasture Tank, and the uniquely named Lake Erie, suggests a history of livestock grazing and ranching operations. Sparse but critical water sources like Salado Spring and Theodore Spring are scattered throughout the quadrangle, serving as focal points in an otherwise arid environment. Along the southern reaches, the Cañon Villa de Aseyna and Bill Aseyna Tank preserve local family names within the geographical record of this New Mexico territory.