1966 Map of Tanner Lake

About this map

The high desert landscape of San Juan County is defined by the ephemeral waterways of the Chaco River and its numerous tributaries. This 1960s environment shows a stark network of washes and canyons, where vital water sources like Tsaya Spring and Dog Eye Pond stand out against the arid terrain. The map details a landscape transition from the lower De-na-zin Wash in the north toward the deeper incision of Tsaya Canyon in the south. Evidence of resource extraction or land management appears through scattered wells and mines, suggesting the localized industrial footprint in this corner of New Mexico. Named features such as Split Lip Flats and Tanner Lake provide specific geographic anchors for researchers studying the historical hydrology and land use patterns of the region before modern developments.