2017 Map of Riley

About this map

The settlement of Riley marks a quiet point of human presence in this high-desert landscape, located just outside the northern boundary of the Cibola National Forest. The geography is defined by significant elevation changes and dry watercourses, most notably the winding Coyote Draw and the Cañon del Tanque Hondo which cuts through the southern reaches. This modern topographic study shows a territory where travel is dictated by the land's contours, with Co Rd 51 and Co Rd 12 providing the primary access through the desert flats and arroyos. Dominant natural landmarks like Sierra Lucero and Yellow Mtn provide essential orientation in a region characterized by sparse vegetation and vast open space, reflecting the enduring character of Socorro County's rural backcountry.