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2023 Map of Petaca Peak

Name: 2023 Topographic Map of Petaca Peak
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2023
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2023

About this map

The Carson National Forest landscape defines this high-elevation region where the high desert meets the forest. Dominating the topography, Petaca Peak and Petaca Mesa rise above a complex network of dry washes and canyons, most notably Arroyo Aguaje de la Petaca and Servilleta Canyon. The drainage patterns here are essential to understanding the land use, as evidenced by the high density of named stock tanks and wells such as Ambrose Tank, Tio Gordito Tank, and Comanche Number One Tank.

The border between Rio Arriba and Taos counties bisects the terrain, illustrating the remote and administrative nature of this territory. Human activity is largely represented by infrastructure for ranching and recreation, including the Tusas Loop Trl and various fire roads that navigate the Comanche Rim and Red Mesa. The presence of these specific named landmarks provides a clear view of the ranching heritage and geographic navigation in this part of northern New Mexico.