2010 Map of Lava

About this map

The Fra Cristobal Range dominates the western landscape of this Socorro County region, overlooking the expansive waters of the Elephant Butte Reservoir and the Rio Grande. This arid terrain transitions from the high peaks of Fra Cristobal Mountain down into the vast desert plains of the Jornada del Muerto. Settlement is sparse, characterized by isolated outposts such as the Lava Well Ranch and the community of Lava to the northeast. Water management and drainage are central to the area's geography, evidenced by the presence of Red Lake and the deep cut of Silver Canyon. Local transit is marked by points like Lava Gate, reflecting the rural and ranching character of this New Mexico desert during the early 21st century.