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2020 Map of French Mesa

Name: 2020 Topographic Map of French Mesa
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2020
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2020

About this map

Santa Fe National Forest land dominates this high-altitude landscape in Rio Arriba County, where deep canyons and massive uplifted mesas define the terrain. The northern reaches of the Rio Gallina cut through the western edge of the quadrangle, flanked by the prominent French Mesa to the east and the pale slopes of Cerro Blanco to the south. Small, isolated settlements like Arroyo Blanco and Rincón Colorado are situated near seasonal water sources and ranching grounds.

Water management is central to life in this arid environment, evidenced by a dense network of stock tanks including Dan Tank, Rincon Tank, and La Jara Tank. Significant natural drainage features like Cañada de la Cueva and Almagre Arroyo show the erosional forces that have carved the Rio Arriba backcountry. The map also identifies local landmarks such as Leandro Spring and Laguna Seca, which served as vital points of orientation and resource for generations of residents.