2013 Map of Continental Divide

About this map

The Continental Divide crests through this portion of the Eastern Navajo Agency, defining a landscape shaped by transportation and topographic transitions. The corridor along the S Fork Puerco River serves as a primary artery for movement, punctuated by settlements like Coolidge, Gonzales, and Thoreau. A railroad-adjacent economy is evident at Gonzales Siding, while a local Po near the divide reflects the essential infrastructure of these rural communities. To the south, the terrain rises into the Cibola National Forest, where deep cuts like Whitewater Canyon and landmarks such as Radar Tank mark the transition from the river valley to the higher forest elevations. Small water features like Gonzales Lake provide vital resources in an otherwise arid environment, illustrating the geographic constraints that have dictated the placement of homesteads and roads since the area was first settled.