2020 Map of Colorado Canyon

About this map

Colorado Canyon cuts through the high plains of east-central New Mexico, forming a distinct geological break in a landscape dominated by ranching and water management. To the west, the reservoir of Lake Sumner provides a critical anchor for the region, while Alamogordo Creek winds through the northern sections of the terrain. The map documents the boundary between Guadalupe and De Baca counties, a line that segments the vast grazing lands and mesas. A network of rural routes, including Ranger Rd, Roping Rd, and Little Drum Rd, crisscrosses the sections, indicating the essential access required for remote homesteads and agricultural operations. This survey illustrates the sparse but structured nature of the modern New Mexico desert, where seasonal drainage and man-made reservoirs dictate the pattern of human activity and land division.