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2017 Map of Sawmill Mesa

Name: 2017 Topographic Map of Sawmill Mesa
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2017
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2017

About this map

Sawmill Mesa and the surrounding high country of Rio Arriba County define this landscape, where complex drainage systems and water engineering are central to the terrain. The northern reaches of the map show the path of the Azotea Tunnel, a significant piece of water diversion infrastructure marked by the Azotea Tunl road. This arid region relies on vital water sources like North Cebadilla Spring and Cebadilla Spring, which provide points of relief in a territory dominated by deep canyons and prominent rises.

The presence of Casa Escondida sits along the banks of Willow Creek, highlighting the sparse but deliberate settlement pattern in this corner of New Mexico. Significant geological landmarks including the Tecolote Rim, Tecolote Gap, and Tecolote Mesa dominate the southwest, while El Cerro rises to the east. These features, along with the deep cuts of the Canada de Tio Roque, illustrate the dramatic elevation shifts characteristic of the Southern Rocky Mountains' foothills.