2010 Map of Sierra Alta

About this map

Sierra Alta Ranch and other isolated ranching outposts define this stretch of New Mexico landscape along the northern edge of the Rincon Valley. In the northeast corner, the Rio Grande winds through a corridor managed by the River Levee, Rincon Drain, and Tonuco Drain. The Tonuco Bridge provides a vital crossing near Haynor Ranch, connecting the river bottom to the high desert terrain to the west. This area is characterized by a network of seasonal waterways like Hersey Arroyo and Bignell Arroyo that drain toward the river. Historically significant markers of land use and small-scale operations appear throughout the quadrangle, including the Ward Claims and various stock tanks such as Hackler Tank and Brewster Tank. The presence of named locations like Hersey Place and Kimball Place alongside landmarks like Sierro Kemado suggests a history of dispersed settlement and resource management in this arid environment.