2023 Map of Rincon Hondo

About this map

Santa Rita Mesa and the surrounding tablelands of Cibola County define this high-desert landscape in west-central New Mexico. The terrain is marked by a complex system of drainages and topographic breaks, most notably the deep incisions of Rincon Hondo Canyon and Atarque Canyon to the north. These canyons, along with Zuni Canyon in the south, demonstrate the erosional patterns of the Colorado Plateau, where ephemeral water sources are vital landmarks. Evidence of these critical water points is found at Jaralosa Spring, Los Alamos Springs, and the intermittent Perry Lake. The presence of man-made improvements like Cabin Tank alongside natural features such as Jaralosa Draw indicates a long-standing reliance on carefully managed water resources for ranching or land use in this arid region.