2017 Map of Star Lake

About this map

Chaco Wash and its many tributaries, including Salazar Wash and Daniel Wash, dominate this high-desert landscape in McKinley County. The settlement at Star Lake is the primary human landmark, serving as a focal point for a network of desert routes such as Star Lake Rd and Indian Svc Rte 9. The terrain is characterized by dramatic elevation changes, most notably the prominent Pot Mesa to the northwest and the expansive Ceja del Raton rim to the east. Water, a precious resource in this arid region, is concentrated in features like Calladito Lakes, Franciscan Lake, and Papers Lake. The presence of several pipeline corridors, including Pipeline Rd, illustrates the intersection of traditional land use with modern utility infrastructure across the open range.