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2013 Map of La Mesita Negra

Name: 2013 Topographic Map of La Mesita Negra
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2013
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2013

About this map

Rio Puerco meanders through the central basin of this landscape, its path defining the drainage patterns for the surrounding high ground. The Rio Puerco Trading Post stands as a focal point for commerce and navigation along the interstate corridor, representing a modern iteration of the historical transit routes that have long crossed this desert terrain. Higher elevations are marked by significant geological features such as the dark volcanic profile of La Mesita Negra and the prominent Cerro Colorado to the east.

A network of local infrastructure connects the sparse development, including the Indian Service Rd and smaller spurs like Van Why Pl. Deep erosional features like Cañada del Ojo and Cañada los Apaches reveal the hydrological force of the region, while the pocket of El Rincon tucked into the northeastern corner suggests the varied topography that has dictated land use and surveying boundaries across the Bernalillo County mesas.