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2013 Map of Hard Ground Flats

Name: 2013 Topographic Map of Hard Ground Flats
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2013
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2013

About this map

Hard Ground Flats dominates the central landscape of this McKinley County region, characterized by a complex network of high desert drainage systems and mesas. The terrain is defined by deeply cut features such as Mexican Cooking Canyon, Pumpkin Canyon, and Window Rock Canyon in the northwest, while Ram Mesa rises prominently in the southeast corner. These landforms dictate the local transportation routes, which follow the natural contours of the canyons and flats.

Water management and natural drainage are evident through the naming of Red Water Pond and the course of the Puerco River at the southern edge. The map traces several local routes, including Co Road 77 and Hard Ground Canyon Rd, which provide access through the remote canyon country. Smaller landmarks like Sitting Water Canyon and Peach Spring Canyon suggest historic water sources vital for the high-altitude cattle or sheep ranching characteristic of this area.