2010 Map of Puertecito Gap

About this map

Weston Mine and the nearby Magnum Claims anchor the northern landscape of this Socorro County quadrangle, marking a history of resource extraction near Puertecito Gap. The terrain is defined by dry washes and essential water catchment features like Escondido Tank, Poniente Tank, and Buffalo Tank, which supported the livestock operations at Weston Ranch and Rienhardt Ranch. High relief dominates the eastern edge, where the land rises to Bern Peak and Horse Mountain. The topography reveals a complex network of drainages including Puertecito Canyon and Sawmill Canyon that cut through the Indian Hills. This layout reflects a specialized ranching and mining economy in an arid high-desert environment where landmarks like the Devils Backbone provided natural navigational markers across the territory.