2017 Map of Sand Canyon

About this map

El Malpais National Monument dominates the northwestern portion of this Cibola County landscape, where volcanic history is literally etched into the earth. The presence of Lava Falls near the Maintained Gravel Road signals the unique geology of the Zuni-Bandera volcanic field. Further east, the high elevation of Cebollita Mesa overlooks a series of deep drainage systems, including Sand Canyon and Cebolla Canyon. This 2017 survey reflects a sparsely populated area defined by its access routes, such as Homestead Canyon Rd and Armijo Canyon Rd, which navigate the complex topography. Vital water sources like Armijo Spring are noted among the rugged breaks of Armijo Canyon and Middle Canyon, providing essential reference points in a region where the high desert plateau meets deep-cut canyon floors.