1985 Map of Water Canyon

About this map

Magdalena Mountains and the surrounding high-desert canyons define this landscape west of Socorro during the mid-1980s. The small settlement of Water Canyon sits at the base of the range, serving as a gateway to the Cibola National Forest. The geography is deeply carved by drainage systems, most notably Nogal Canyon, Socorro Canyon, and Sixmile Canyon, which radiate from the peaks toward the valley floor. Evidence of former industrial activity and infrastructure is scattered across the terrain, including an Old RR Grade and a Gravel Pit. The map captures a moment when local water management was essential for the arid environment, as seen in the Sedillo Hill Reservoir. Strawberry Peak provides a prominent landmark to the northeast, anchoring the transition from the high ridges of the Magdalena range to the lower alluvial plains.