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1967 Map of Cerro Hueco

Name: 1967 Topographic Map of Cerro Hueco
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1980
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1980

About this map

The Continental Divide winds through this high-altitude landscape of western New Mexico, where volcanic features and seasonal water catchments define the geography. Part of the Cibola National Forest, the area is characterized by a series of prominent peaks and volcanic cones, including Cerro Hueco, Cerro Negro, and Cerrito Arizona. Evidence of ancient geologic activity is visible in the southeastern corner, where The Malpais indicates extensive lava fields near Cerro Rendija.

Human presence is sparse and largely tied to ranching, as seen at the Mason Ranch near Laguna Mason. The landscape is dotted with several ephemeral lagunas, such as Laguna Larga and Laguna Americana, which were critical water sources for local livestock. These names reflect the cultural heritage of the region, where Spanish and English naming conventions overlap across the high plateau. The map serves as a detailed record of this isolated backcountry before more modern infrastructure developments.