2023 Map of Cliff

About this map

Cliff and Gila serve as the primary human settlements in this arid New Mexico landscape, situated where the Gila River meets the tributary waters of Duck Creek and Bear Creek. The geography here is defined by an intricate network of man-made irrigation channels, such as the Upper Gila Ditch, Gila Farm Ditch, and Riverside Ditch, which redirect water from the river to the narrow, fertile valley floors. This dependence on water management is a hallmark of the region's agricultural history, allowing for life to thrive beneath the surrounding high ground of Graveyard Mesa and Mesa. For those researching local history, the map provides precise locations for the Mesa Cem, Cliff Gila Catholic Cem, and the more isolated Clark Cem to the south. Prominent terrain features like Fort West Hill and Table Butte offer clear landmarks against the deeply eroded drainage systems of Greenwood Canyon and Pope Canyon.