2023 Map of Upper Nutria

About this map

Upper Nutria and Lower Nutria anchor this portion of the Zuni Reservation, where the drainage of the Rio Nutria defines the local geography. The map illustrates a landscape of high mesas and deep draws, notably featuring the prominent ridge known as The Hogback and the steep slopes of Mexican Hill. To the north, the small community of McGaffey sits at the edge of the Cibola National Forest, providing a transition between the open arroyos and the wooded uplands of Oso Ridge. Water management is central to the area's layout, seen in the Nutria Diversion Reservoir and various tanks like Section Fourteen Tank. Local heritage is preserved at sites such as Torreon Cem and McGaffey Cem, while the network of tribal routes including Indian Svc Rte 31 and Nutria Rd connects the scattered settlements across this McKinley County terrain.