2013 Map of Mule Canyon

About this map

Carson National Forest land dominates this section of Rio Arriba County, where the high-altitude landscape is defined by an intricate network of drainage canyons and ridges. The presence of Tusas Cem near the Rio Tusas suggests the localized historical importance of small settlements or ranching communities that once utilized these remote valleys. The terrain is marked by numerous natural springs and man-made water catchments, such as Barela Spring and Bicara Tank, reflecting the critical need for water management in this arid grazing country. A complex series of named canyons, including Mule Canyon, Tres Piedras Canyon, and Guido Canyon, carve through the region, separated by prominent high points like Tusas Ridge and Loco Ridge. This drainage pattern illustrates the geological character of the north-central New Mexico uplands and the sparse, infrastructure-light footprint of the early 21st century.