1961 Map of Cottonwood Canyon

About this map

Continental Divide winds through the high elevation of the Cibola National Forest, defining a landscape of canyons and prominent rims. This early 1960s survey, with later photorevisions, captures the ranching character of the high country, where remote outposts like Irvin Ranch, Baird Ranch, and Coddington Ranch are positioned near vital water sources. The map identifies specific landmarks essential for navigating this terrain, including Lookout Mountain Rim and The Rincon, while indicating the importance of groundwater through several named springs like Peavine Spring and Monighan Spring. The presence of Graves near Cottonwood Canyon offers a poignant touch of local history, marking the lives of early inhabitants in this secluded part of New Mexico. Spanning the boundary of Mc Kinley and Cibola counties, the map details a transition from the broad Las Tuces Valley to the protected meadows of Long Park and Rice Park.