2013 Map of Pecos Falls

About this map

The Sangre de Cristo Mountains dominate this high-altitude landscape where the headwaters of the Pecos River begin their descent. This 2013 survey highlights the convergence of the Carson National Forest and Santa Fe National Forest, a terrain defined by sharp ridgelines and deep glacial basins. High peaks including Little Jicarita Peak and Chimayosos Peak stand as sentinels over the Rio Arriba and Mora county line, which follows the drainage divide. Isolated outposts like Beatty Cabin and Smith Cabin serve as rare markers of human presence in this wilderness, while the complex hydrology of the Rito Valdez, Rio Mora, and Middle Fork Rio Santa Barbara illustrates the critical role of these mountains in sourcing downstream water systems. The map also records alpine features like Middle Fork Lake and broad landforms such as Hamilton Mesa, which separate the various ritos and brooks that carve through the canyon systems.