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2020 Map of Purgatory Canyon

Name: 2020 Topographic Map of Purgatory Canyon
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2020
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2020

About this map

Barker Dome and the intricate drainage systems of San Juan County characterize this arid landscape near the New Mexico and Colorado border. The terrain is defined by a dense network of canyons and arroyos, where seasonal water flows have carved deep into the earth. Prominent features include the namesake Purgatory Canyon and Navajo Canyon, which snake through the western reaches of the quadrangle. Sparse water sources such as Blue Lake and Jones Lake appear as vital landmarks in an otherwise dry environment.

Transportation in this area is primarily facilitated by a series of Indian Service Routes, including Indian Svc Rte 205 and Indian Svc Rte 211, which navigate the plateaus and canyon floors. The map reveals the intersection of topography and cultural land use, with features like Foxtail Flats and Coalbank Canyon providing specific geographical reference points for those studying the high-desert character of northern New Mexico.