2017 Map of The Wall

About this map

Vermejo Peak and the high ridgelines of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains define this high-altitude landscape along the Colorado and New Mexico border. The survey area is a complex network of canyons and drainages, including Trail Canyon and Cherokee Canyon, that feed into the headwaters of the Vermejo River. A notable series of alpine water bodies, such as Underwood Lakes, Bernal Lake, and Munn Lake, are scattered across the northern reaches, while the dramatic formation known as The Wall stands as a prominent geological landmark. This region’s geography is shaped by its transition from the steep slopes of the Taos and Costilla county lines toward the drainage basins of the east. Remote access routes like Leandro Rd and Banning Rd navigate the lower elevations near Castle Rock Park and Bartlett Lake, indicating the area's use for ranching or forestry operations in the early 21st century.