2023 Map of Saltpeter Mountain

About this map

Saltpeter Mountain rises above a deeply eroded landscape in this Colfax County survey, defined by a complex network of drainage systems including Saltpeter Canyon and Turkey Canyon. The area is characterized by seasonal watercourses like Saltpeter Creek and Curtis Creek, which flow through numerous named canyons such as Ashenfelder Canyon and Beardon Canyon. Transportation in this modern era is limited to specialized routes like Rail Canyon Rd and Co Rd A-45, alongside the primary corridor of US Route 64. Low-lying areas near the southern border feature the Twin Lakes, providing a rare aquatic contrast to the surrounding ridges. This map captures the topography of northern New Mexico, illustrating how the rugged terrain dictates the placement of rural roads and infrastructure in the high desert environment.