2017 Map of Rancho del Chaparral

About this map

Santa Fe National Forest encompasses this high-elevation landscape, where the Rio de las Vacas and its tributaries carve a network of deep canyons and mesas. The map documents the northern reaches of the Sierra Nacimiento range, including prominent features like Blue Bird Mesa and Rock Creek Mesa. The presence of Rancho del Chaparral at the base of Smokey Bear Hill suggests the localized ranching history of the region. Water remains a defining element of this terrain, with numerous named sources such as Vacas Spring, Barley Spring, and Redtop Spring feeding into the drainage systems. The map traces a complex system of forest roads, including Old Hwy 126 and Forest Rd 20, which provide the primary access through the steep drainages like San Pablo Canyon and Telephone Canyon.