2020 Map of Nicoll Lake

About this map

Rio Pescado winds through this high-desert landscape on the border of McKinley and Cibola counties. The topography is defined by a series of significant drainage systems, including Loma del Medio Draw and Coyote Canyon, which carve through the arid terrain. While the area is largely characterized by open space and natural landforms, a modern network of local roads has emerged, bearing evocative names like Great White Father Rd, Soaring Hawk Ln, and Skinwalker. To the east, Nicoll Lake sits as a primary water feature in an otherwise dry environment. This contemporary survey by the U.S. Geological Survey illustrates the intersection of traditional land use and newer residential development patterns in this portion of New Mexico.