Loading map...

2013 Map of El Dado

Name: 2013 Topographic Map of El Dado
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2013
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2013

About this map

Leon and the surrounding high desert of McKinley County are defined by a network of seasonal water sources and significant archaeological markers. The terrain is deeply incised by drainages such as Abeyta Arroyo and San Isidro Arroyo, which flow toward localized catchments like Laguna Anaconda and Laguna Escondido. Archaeological interest is centered on the eastern portion of the map, where Cliff Dwelling Canyon and noted Cliff Houses indicate a long history of human habitation within the rock formations near White Mesa.

The local economy and geography of the early 21st century remain tied to the land's hydrology, evidenced by numerous named water points like Coal Mine Spring, Peña Springs, and Montaño Spring. Higher elevations are marked by distinctive landmarks including Sombrero Alto and El Dado Peak, while the settlement of El Dado sits near the confluence of San Miguel Cr and Cañon del Dado, serving as a focal point in this high-altitude landscape.