2023 Map of Mesa Cortada

About this map

Cibola National Forest encompasses the southeastern portion of this McKinley County landscape, where the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail winds through high-altitude terrain. The geography is defined by a series of prominent mesas and volcanic features, including Mesa Cortada, Mesa Crotalo, and the geological focal point of San Miguel Creek Dome. The drainage pattern is complex, with seasonal watercourses like Arroyo Chico and Arroyo Sarcio carving through the arid soil. Family names are etched into the land at Arroyo Alfredo Padilla, Cerro Chavez, and Rincon Chavez, suggesting a legacy of ranching and land use in this part of New Mexico. Sparse water sources such as Ojo Navajó, Ojo de los Indios, and Gonzolas Tank provide critical reference points in an area dominated by expansive land grants and township boundaries.