1957 Map of San Rafael

About this map

San Rafael sits at the edge of the sprawling Cibola National Forest, where the high desert terrain transitions into a complex network of volcanic and limestone features. This 1957 survey, with updates through the early 1980s, reveals a landscape defined by seasonal water sources and rugged relief, notably around Gallo Peak and the volcanic depressions of the Vega. The presence of the Porter Cemetery and several isolated springs like Pink Rose Spring and Jose Ignacio Spring suggests the long-standing reliance of local ranchers and settlers on these rare water points.