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2017 Map of Cloudcroft

Name: 2017 Topographic Map of Cloudcroft
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2017
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2017

About this map

Lincoln National Forest surrounds the mountain settlement of Cloudcroft, where high-altitude timber and rail history converge in Otero County. The map documents the Mexican Canyon Railroad Trestle Historic Site, a surviving engineering feat of the former mountain rail lines that once navigated the complex terrain of Toboggan Canyon and Apache Canyon. The landscape is etched with deep drainage systems including La Luz Canyon and James Canyon, while numerous water sources like Silver Spring and Fite Spring reflect the vital hydrology of this high-desert forest environment.

Local genealogy and settlement history are centered around Bass Cem and smaller communities such as Wimsatt and Twin Forks. The transition from historic industry to modern recreation is evident in the layout of Chippeway Park and the preservation of forest tracts. The intricate network of forest roads, such as Bailey Annex and Summer Pasture, provides a detailed look at land management and access within the Sacramento Mountains.