1966 Map of Deer Mesa

About this map

The Jicarilla Apache Indian Reservation Boundary stretches across the northern portion of this high-desert landscape, where the Continental Divide winds its way through sandstone formations. This mid-1960s survey captures a remote region defined by expansive geological features like Snathyel Mesa and Deer Mesa. The arid environment required significant water management, evidenced by a series of infrastructure projects including Encino Dam No. 85 and Encino Dam No. 83. These water structures, along with the Armijo Reservoir and scattered landmarks like the Alexander Windmill, illustrate the vital role of water sourcing for local use and livestock in Sandoval County's high country. A network of jeep trails provides the only access through the drainages of Peña Wash and Arroyo Torreon, marking a landscape that remained largely undeveloped during this era.