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1966 Map of Kin Klizhin Ruins

Name: 1966 Topographic Map of Kin Klizhin Ruins
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1980
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1980

About this map

Chaco Canyon National Monument spans the eastern portion of this high-desert landscape, preserving significant archaeological sites from the pre-contact era. The Chaco River and its numerous tributaries, including Kin Klizhin Wash and Ah-shi-sle-pah Wash, dictate the drainage patterns across the arid terrain. The map highlights key historical landmarks such as the Kin Klizhin Ruins and the Peñasco Blanco Ruins, which sit atop prominent landforms like West Mesa.

Remote water sources, vital for both ancient inhabitants and later ranching, appear as isolated points like Padilla Well and Beyale Well. The boundary between San Juan and McKinley Counties cuts across the southern section, while a solitary Corral near the monument boundary suggests the ongoing pastoral use of the land alongside its archaeological protection. The topography is defined by intricate drainage networks and flat-topped mesas characteristic of the San Juan Basin.