2023 Map of Fence Lake SW

About this map

Santa Rita Mesa dominates this high-desert landscape on the border of Cibola and Catron Counties, where the high plateau gives way to complex drainage networks. This 2023 survey identifies several critical water sources essential to the local history of ranching and settlement, including the distinct Old Santa Rita Springs and New Santa Rita Springs. In the southern reaches, the terrain is defined by prominent ephemeral watercourses such as Nations Draw and Tejana Draw, which channel seasonal runoff toward the southwest. The sparse road network, featuring Hubbell Rd and Moreno Hill Rd, traces the contours of the land, connecting isolated points like Garcia Spring and Nicolas Spring. This topography reflects the enduring character of the New Mexico backcountry, where geography is primarily dictated by the availability of water and the rugged transition between mesas and draws.