2020 Map of Mesa Cortada

About this map

The high desert landscape of McKinley County is defined by prominent geological formations like San Miguel Creek Dome and the plateau of Mesa Cortada. This 2020 survey of the high mesas and arroyos shows a region structured by water management and topography. Numerous named stock tanks, such as Gonzolas Tank, Candido Tank, and Rincon Grande Tank, emphasize the importance of water sources in this arid environment. The southern portion of the map includes a section of the Cibola National Forest, where elevations rise toward Cerro Chavez and Cerro Colorado. Notable transit markers include Indian Rte 7078 and the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, which winds through the eastern ridges. Historic place-names like Ojo Navajo and Ojo de los Indios indicate long-standing springs used by travelers and residents of the San Juan Basin.