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2013 Map of Mesa Cortada

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

USGS Topo · Published 2013

About this map

Cibola National Forest encompasses the high, broken ground of this McKinley County landscape, where deep canyons and prominent mesas define the local geography. The map illustrates a region of remote outposts and ranching heritage, featuring sites such as Rancho de la Punta, Michael Ranch, and Jaramillo Ranch. These named properties, alongside the small settlement of Lucero and the location at Rincon Chavez, suggest a history of isolated landholdings centered around scarce water sources.

Water management is evident in the scattered catchments like Candido Tank and Rincon Grande Tank, essential for sustaining life and livestock in this arid environment. Significant geological features such as the San Miguel Creek Dome, White Mesa, and the towering Cerro Colorado dominate the horizon. The drainage network is shaped by numerous seasonal washes, including Arroyo Chico and Arroyo Sarcio, which have carved out notable landmarks like Los Indios Canyon.