2023 Map of Harden Cienega

About this map

Harden Cienega Creek flows through this high-elevation landscape along the border of New Mexico and Arizona, where the Gila National Forest and Apache National Forest converge. This 2023 survey illustrates a complex network of water management features essential for ranching and forest management, including dozens of named stock tanks such as Red Tank, Tiger Tank, and Bear Up Tank. The terrain is defined by dramatic geological formations, from the prominence of Baldy Mtn and Grassy Mtn to the flat-topped reaches of Antelope Mesa and Table Top Mesa. The San Francisco River cuts through the northern portion of the quadrangle near the Sierra Aguilada, while deep drainage systems like Chimney Rock Canyon and Big Lue Canyon score the plateaus. This modern topographic record captures the enduring character of these protected forest lands, emphasizing the vital importance of seasonal water sources and the geographic transitions between Catron and Grant counties.