2013 Map of San Mateo

About this map

San Mateo serves as the central hub of this high-altitude landscape, where the high desert meets the northern reaches of the Cibola National Forest. The map documents a landscape defined by extensive ranching operations, including Marcus Ranch, Lee Fernandez, and the Lee Ranch, all situated near the seasonal drainage of San Mateo Cr. The terrain is characterized by dramatic elevations like Cerro Colorado and Jesus Mesa, alongside deep incisions such as Rafael Canyon and Marquez Canyon. Water management is critical in this environment, evidenced by a dense network of specialized catchment features like San Mateo Reservoir, Mule Tank, and Buckhorn Spring. These features, along with the distinct naming of Bajios Redondos and Bajios Largo, reflect the localized geography essential to livestock and land management in the early 21st century.