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2020 Map of Mesa Portales

Name: 2020 Topographic Map of Mesa Portales
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2020
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2020

About this map

Mesa Portales and the surrounding high desert terrain define this corner of Sandoval County, where the southern reaches of the Santa Fe National Forest meet expansive tablelands. The landscape is deeply incised by drainage systems such as Arroyo Chijuillita and Arroyo Piedra Lumbre, which create a complex network of canyons and ridges. Evidence of historical land use is visible through the presence of several water sources including Smoky Spring, Moreno Spring, and Ojo de Gutierrez, vital points for livestock and travelers in this arid environment.

The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail winds north-to-south across the eastern half of the map, tracing the high ground near Mesa de Cuba. Movement through the area is facilitated by local routes like Chuilla Rd 1101 and W Valle San Ysidro 57, which skirt the bases of prominent landforms like Mesa Chijuilla and Fork Rock Mesa. This topographic study reveals a rugged geography shaped by seasonal water flow and the management of federal lands.