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1953 Map of Laguna Peak

Name: 1953 Topographic Map of Laguna Peak
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1975
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1975

About this map

The high mesa country of Rio Arriba County is defined here by the confluence of the Rio Gallina and the Rio Chama, a landscape where the Santa Fe National Forest and Carson National Forest meet. The map reveals the intricate drainage patterns of the high plateaus, such as Mesa de los Viejos and Mesa Gurule, which are carved by numerous steep canyons including Chavez Canyon and Cañada de los Ojitos.

Evidence of early ranching and water management is visible at the Gallina Bench Ranch and along the Chama Ditch. The presence of unnamed Ruins near the river suggests a long history of habitation in this arid environment. Significant natural springs like Los Indios Spring, Presa Spring, and Potrero Spring appear as vital water sources for the cattle and wildlife navigating the elevations of Laguna Peak and Mesa Los Indios.