1961 Map of Tres Orejas

About this map

Tres Orejas rises as the central topographic focal point within this 1960s study of the Taos high desert. The landscape is defined by the high-elevation terrain of the Carson National Forest, where drainage patterns are etched into the earth by the Arroyo Aguaje de la Petaca. This drainage flows southward toward the Carson Reservoir, a critical water management feature in this arid environment. The map captures a moment before significant modern development, focusing on natural landmarks and essential livestock or irrigation infrastructure like Dunlap Tank. The isolation of the peaks against the surrounding basin illustrates the classic New Mexico volcanic field geography, providing an essential record for those studying the land use and hydrology of the region during the mid-century era.