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2017 Map of Horsehead Canyon

Name: 2017 Topographic Map of Horsehead Canyon
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2017
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2017

About this map

The Zuni River forms a central drainage for this section of McKinley County, where the confluence of the Rio Nutria and Rio Pescado shapes the high-desert landscape. The terrain is defined by a series of prominent geological landmarks, including the distinctive Feather Rock and Pierced Rock. Deep-cut drainages such as Horsehead Canyon and Coal Mine Canyon reveal the erosion patterns typical of this region.

Transportation through this high country is limited to established routes such as Indian Svc Rte 50 and Nutria Rd, which navigate the mesas and basins. Landmarks like Knife Hill and Two Grey Hills provide significant topographical orientation. The map records the persistence of traditional place names and land divisions, including Chama Canyon and Galestina Canyon, reflecting the area's long-standing cultural and geographical identity.