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2013 Map of Vallecitos

Name: 2013 Topographic Map of Vallecitos
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2013
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2013

About this map

The high canyons and mesas of Santa Fe National Forest define this terrain in Rio Arriba County, where the Rio Arriba and Sandoval county lines meet. The settlement of Vallecitos sits near the headwaters of Vallecitos Cr, surrounded by smaller hamlets like El Canoncito and Vallecitos Corrales. This high-altitude landscape is deeply etched by a network of drainages and canyons, including Oso Canyon and the expansive Santa Clara Canyon to the south. Historically significant landforms such as Lobato Mesa and Mesa de la Gallina dominate the central topography.

Water management in this arid environment is evidenced by numerous tanks such as Augustine Tank and Lucas Tank, supporting the local ranching tradition. The map identifies specific local names for small valleys and drainages, such as Cañoncito de los Ranchos and Cañoncito Tia Tona, which reflect long-standing Spanish-American land use patterns. Transportation routes are limited to essential thoroughfares like State Hwy 565 and Polvadera Rd, connecting these remote northern New Mexico communities.