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1995 Map of Mesa Cencerro

Name: 1995 Topographic Map of Mesa Cencerro
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1998
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1998

About this map

The Bear Mountains dominate this high-desert landscape in Socorro County, where water is the primary driver of human settlement and infrastructure. Scattered ranching outposts such as Chavez Ranch and Spears Ranch represent the historic pastoral use of these lands, which are now largely managed as part of the Cibola National Forest. The map reveals a complex network of springs, troughs, and tanks necessary for survival in the arid terrain, including the uniquely named Lumber House Spring No 1 and Lumber House Spring No 2, as well as the Cement Trough Spring.

High mesas and deep canyons define the topography, with Mesa Cencerro, Scott Mesa, and the intimidatingly named Hells Mesa rising above several drainages. Numerous Prospects are recorded throughout the hills, hinting at the mineral exploration common in this region during the mid-20th century. This survey, compiled from 1963 topography and 1990s imagery, documents a transitional era where traditional ranching landmarks began to intersect with modern federal forest management.