2023 Map of Smouse Mesa

About this map

Smouse Mesa and the surrounding high plateau country of Rio Arriba County are defined by a complex drainage system feeding into the broad valley of Cañon Largo. This survey illustrates the transition between the mesas and the deep canyons that carve through the landscape, including Palluche Canyon and Little Palluche Canyon. Water sources, while scattered, are documented at named points such as Hooch Spring, Romero Spring, and the seasonally variable Wild Horse Lake. The topography is marked by several prominent landforms, notably Superior Mesa and Cibolo Mesa in the east, and the long profile of Black Ridge to the south. A sparse network of county roads, including Largo Canyon Rd and Co Rd 501, provides the primary access across this remote portion of New Mexico near the San Juan County line.