2011 Map of Pounds Mesa

About this map

Pounds Mesa dominates the central landscape of this Rio Arriba County region, where the high desert terrain is defined by dramatic mesas and seasonal drainage systems. The settlement of Puerto Chiquito serves as a lone human waypoint in an area primarily shaped by natural landforms and water management. To the northeast, the expanse of El Vado Reservoir meets the rugged topography of Railroad Canyon, while the northwestern corner is marked by the distinct alkaline waters of Stinking Lake and the nearby Horse Island. This 2011 survey documents the established infrastructure of State Hwy 112 as it winds through the arroyos, including the extensive Arroyo del Puerto Chiquito. The map illustrates a high-altitude environment where traditional names like Apache Mesa and La Puerta Grande reflect a deep cultural connection to the geography of Northern New Mexico.