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2011 Map of Palmer Mesa

Name: 2011 Topographic Map of Palmer Mesa
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2011
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2011

About this map

Palmer Mesa and the surrounding high desert of the Shiprock Agency define this landscape of deep canyons and seasonal drainages. In the south, the industrial presence of the Many Rocks Gallup Oil Field stands out against the natural topography of Burnt Squash Draw and Sunshine Spring Draw. Navigation through this territory is marked by legacy infrastructure, including Indian Service Route 5031, which connects the rugged interior to distant centers.

Evidence of seasonal use and habitation is found at Deckers Camp, while the physical geography is punctuated by distinctive formations such as Monument Rocks, Thieving Rock, and Popping Rock. The map meticulously tracks the complex drainage systems of Salt Creek Wash and its various tributaries like North Salt Canyon, revealing how water has carved out Rocky Canyon and Standing Tree Canyon over millennia.