2023 Map of Mesita Americana

About this map

Mesita Americana defines the high-desert character of this McKinley County landscape, where the terrain is etched by an intricate network of seasonal watercourses. The drainage patterns are dominated by the Arroyo Lucero and its many branches, which cut through the high plateau towards the North Fork Arroyo Chico. This survey illustrates the essential role of water management in a semi-arid environment, marked by the presence of Calladito Tank and Lower Calladito Tank. These stock tanks serve as vital landmarks and resources in a region otherwise defined by open range and transient arroyos like Arroyo Calladito and Arroyo Alfredo Padilla. Human infrastructure is sparse, limited primarily to county roads such as Co RD 19 and Co RD 9, which navigate the township and range grid across this isolated stretch of New Mexico high country.