1971 Map of Mesa Redonda

About this map

Mesa Redonda rises as the dominant landform in this high-plains landscape south of Tucumcari, defining the drainage patterns of the surrounding ranching country. This 1971 field-checked survey reveals a sparse network of water sources and seasonal drainages, including Apodaca Creek and the deep cut of Spikes Canyon to the west, while Barranca Creek winds through the southern reaches. The plateau itself is accessed by a series of primitive routes, notably a Pack Trail and Jeep Trail that climb the steep escarpment toward a high-elevation Corral. Human impact on the land is represented by scattered industrial and agricultural markers, such as a Gravel Pit and several Drill Holes, reflecting the region's reliance on groundwater and mineral resources. The map documents the intricate contouring of the mesa's edge, where Rincon Creek and Puris Creek have carved distinct breaks into the level tableland.