2013 Map of Encinoso

About this map

Encinoso stands at a transition between the high peaks of the Capitan Mountains and the arid ranchlands of Lincoln County. The landscape is defined by its canyon systems, including Cottonwood Canyon, Merchant Canyon, and Richardson Canyon, which channel seasonal water from the heights toward the plains. Significant landholdings like the Block Ranch, Edgar Ranch, and Koprian Ranch reflect the area's deep-rooted ranching tradition, where water sources such as Macho Spring and Gum Spring are vital. The presence of the Block Ranch Airport suggests the vastness of these properties and the importance of air travel for remote rural connectivity. Southward, the terrain climbs steeply into the Lincoln National Forest, reaching Minckey Ridge and West Mtn, where resource management is evident at Sawmill Tank. This 2013 survey illustrates how modern infrastructure, such as NM-246, navigates a topography that still dictates the placement of settlements and seasonal lodges like Sportsmans Lodge.