2020 Map of Cerro Prieto

About this map

The high-desert terrain of western New Mexico is defined here by the volcanic prominence of Cerro Prieto and the expansive Flattop Mesa. Straddling the border of Cibola and Catron Counties, this landscape is shaped by a complex network of ephemeral drainages, including Pascual Draw, Frenches Draw, and Lee Draw, which channel seasonal water toward features like Garcia Lake and Green Tank. The mapping shows a sparsely populated area where cattle ranching and land management are the primary drivers of human activity, evident in the network of county roads such as Hubbell Rd and Catron Co Rd A034. Notable landmarks for navigation and local history include Hawkins Peak and the convergence of several minor drainages like Nations Draw and Single Mill Draw in the southeast corner. The presence of named tracks like Waltons Way and Shadow Canyon Ridge Rd reflects a long-standing local presence in this open range country.