2017 Map of La Chata Crater

About this map

La Chata Crater dominates the central landscape of this Mora County region, marking a significant volcanic feature in the high country of New Mexico. The topography shifts dramatically from the drainage basins of Arroyo Jarosa and Gallinas Cr toward the elevated slopes of the Turkey Mountains in the southwest and the flat-topped Jarosa Mesa in the southeast. This 2017 survey shows a sparsely populated ranching and grazing environment, where natural watercourses like Ciruela Cr provide the primary geographic markers across the terrain. The presence of Route 120 cutting diagonally through the landscape highlights the primary transportation corridor connecting these isolated natural landmarks.