2023 Map of Elk

About this map

The settlement of Elk and its surrounding canyonlands are documented here, situated along the winding course of the Rio Peñasco. This high-altitude landscape is characterized by its complex drainage network, where names like Agua Chiquita Creek and Little Felix Canyon suggest the importance of seasonal water in this arid environment. The map captures the rugged interior of the Lincoln National Forest, reaching into the Sacramento Mountains and marked by landmarks such as Wind Mtn. Local history is preserved in the location of the Elk Cem and family-named features like Clements Ranch and Bates Canyon. A series of specialized water sources, including Mathews-Tank Number One and Turpin Tank, dot the terrain, illustrating the infrastructure required for ranching and forest management in this New Mexico interior.