1952 Map of Frijoles

About this map

Bandelier National Monument and the surrounding high mesas of the Pajarito Plateau dominate this early 1950s survey. The landscape is characterized by a series of deep, parallel drainages including Ancho Canyon, Alamo Canyon, and Capulin Canyon, which carve through the volcanic tuff toward the Rio Grande at White Rock Canyon. The map provides a detailed view of the archaeological heritage of the region, specifically marking numerous Pueblo Ruins and sacred sites like the Stone Lions Shrine and the Pueblo of the Stone Lions on the mesas. The park infrastructure of the era is centered at Frijoles (Monument Headquarters) near the Rito de los Frijoles, where trails lead to the Ceremonial Cave and the spectacular Upper Frijoles Falls. To the west, the topography rises toward the San Miguel Mountains and the prominent landmark of St Peters Dome, while the northern portion shows the Santa Fe National Forest and the Ramon Vigil Grant.