2011 Map of D Cross Mountain

About this map

Cibola National Forest encompasses much of this arid Socorro County landscape, where the topography is defined by the sharp relief of D Cross Mountain and the expansive Blue Mesa. The region's drainage patterns are dictated by the Rio Salado and Alamocita Creek, which cut through numerous canyons including Miguel Chavez Canyon and Red Canyon. This 2011 survey highlights the sparse human imprint on the land, centered around ranching and limited transit. The presence of Martin Ranch and water infrastructure like Blue Mesa Tank and Rock Tank illustrate the essential struggle for water management in the high desert. Local movement is channeled along unpaved routes such as Red Lake Rd and Martin's Rd, connecting isolated homesteads to the wider county.