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1964 Map of Indian Spring Canyon

Name: 1964 Topographic Map of Indian Spring Canyon
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1968
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1968

About this map

Cibola National Forest encompasses this high desert landscape, where water sources dictated the location of early ranching and mining operations in the 1960s. Scattered family outposts such as Fretoso Ranch, Montoya Ranch, and Chavez Ranch appear near vital water features like Alamo Creek and Chavez Creek. The presence of the Hot Spot Mines suggests early exploration into the mineral potential of the surrounding hills.

Navigating the terrain relied on a network of primitive tracks, many following natural breaks like Indian Spring Canyon and Maverick Draw. The map meticulously records the infrastructure of the era's ranching economy, including various watering points like Windmill No 1, Mexican Tank, and Three Log Spring. These landmarks provided essential reference points for travelers moving through the canyons of the New Mexico interior.