2017 Map of Mount Taylor

About this map

Mount Taylor dominates the northern reaches of this high-altitude landscape, part of the extensive volcanic terrain within the Cibola National Forest. The geography is defined by a series of dramatic canyons radiating from the peaks, including Lobo Canyon and Rinconada Canyon. Water is the lifeblood of this arid environment, marked by numerous named water sources such as Canovitas Spring, Trough Spring, and De Armand Spring. These points of interest often correlate with early land use and livestock patterns in the San Mateo Mountains. Downslope, the drainages of Rinconada Cr and Encinal Cr carve through the sedimentary layers, eventually giving way to broader basins like San Jose Canyon and Timber Canyon in the south. The mapping reveals a network of forest roads, such as Forest Svc 400 Rd, which provide access to this isolated mountain interior.