2023 Map of Espanola

About this map

Santa Clara Pueblo and San Ildefonso Pueblo anchor this portion of the northern Rio Grande valley, where centuries of traditional settlement meet the modern growth of Española. The landscape is defined by the braided path of the Rio Grande and its vital irrigation network, including the Vialpando Ditch, Main Canal, and La Mesilla Ditch. These waterways support a string of communities like La Mesilla, El Rancho, and Jaconita that follow the fertile river bench. To the east, the topography rises into the badlands of Los Barrancos, while the prominent volcanic landform of Black Mesa stands as a landmark above the Pajarito area. The map is particularly rich for genealogical research, documenting numerous parish and community burial grounds such as Holy Cross Catholic Cem, New Santa Cruz Cem, and San Ildefonso Cem. The traditional land divisions are further marked by the convergence of the Santa Cruz River and the Pojoaque River, which drain the surrounding high country into the valley floor.