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2011 Map of Ponderosa

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

USGS Topo · Published 2011

About this map

Ponderosa and Vallecitos occupy the lower elevations of this high-country landscape, where residential life is concentrated near the banks of Vallecito Creek. The map records a complex mining and excavation history in the surrounding canyons, marked by operations such as the Spanish Queen Mine, Pyramid Pumice Mine, and the Tex-N Prospect. These industrial sites sit in close proximity to recreation areas like the Spanish Queen Picnic Area and Vista Linda Campground, reflecting a dual use of the terrain for both resource extraction and public leisure.

Steep geographic features dominate the west, including the Mesa de Guadalupe and the deep incision of Cañon de San Diego. Along the Jemez River, smaller settlements like Cañones and Cañon Landing are connected by local routes such as Chimal Rd. Further east, the Ponderosa Cemetery serves as a local genealogical landmark, while the Jemez Mountains Sanitary Landfill points to the modern infrastructure supporting these mountain communities.