2023 Map of Jicarita Peak

About this map

Jicarita Peak stands as the central landmark of this high-altitude survey, where the borders of Taos, Rio Arriba, and Mora counties converge. This mountain landscape is defined by the headwaters of numerous drainages, including Agua Piedra Creek and the multiple forks of the Rio Santa Barbara. The intricate trail system, featuring the Divide Trl and Serpent Lake Trl, highlights how this part of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains is navigated. A unique piece of hydraulic engineering, La Sierra Ditch, cuts across the eastern slopes of the Santa Fe Mountains, illustrating local efforts to manage water flow in the high country. Small alpine bodies of water such as Serpent Lake and Horseshoe Lake are perched near the timberline, while the name Los Esteros suggests seasonally wet areas or meadows within this protected environment.