2017 Map of Crystal

About this map

The settlement of Crystal sits at the southwestern edge of the high-elevation Chuska Mountains, where the landscape transitions into the deep drainages of Black Salt Valley and Red Valley. This 2017 study illustrates a network of Bureau of Indian Affairs routes, such as Indian Svc Rte 32 and Indian Svc Rte 7110, that connect the high-country peaks to the canyon floors. High-altitude hydrology is a defining characteristic, with several named alpine bodies of water including Todacheene Lake, Berland Lake, and Sage Lake tucked among the ridges. An interesting industrial remnant is noted by the label Old Min Rd, hinting at past extraction efforts in this mountainous terrain. The map also records the jurisdictional boundary between San Juan and McKinley Counties crossing through the southern portion of the quadrangle.