2020 Map of South Butte

About this map

South Butte and North Butte dominate this high-desert landscape in Cibola County, where intricate drainage patterns define the plateau. The map details a network of indigenous service routes, including Indian Svc Rte 492 and Indian Svc Rte 491, which connect remote outposts and named locations such as Tze-Midi, Timia, and Katama. This region is characterized by significant topographical shifts, from the heights of Casa Blanca Mesa and South Point Mesa down to the seasonal waterways of Rio Gypsum and Big Sandy Wash. For researchers, the presence of various springs like Turquoise Spring, Coyote Spring, and Alamo Spring reveals the critical water sources that have sustained life and transit in this arid environment. The map also records localized landmarks like Sugar Rock and Sharp Point, providing a fine-grained view of this specific section of the New Mexico interior.