1964 Map of Welty Hill

About this map

Cibola National Forest encompasses the entirety of this high-altitude landscape in Socorro County, dominated by the prominent elevation of Welty Hill. The terrain is defined by a series of deep drainage systems, most notably West Red Canyon and Sim Yaten Canyon, which carve through the Sim Yaten Hills and Burnt Peaks. This mid-century survey reveals a landscape managed for cattle and wildlife, evidenced by a network of named water catchments including Rock Spring Tank, Antelope Tank, and Pinon Tank. The presence of Drill Canyon and Whitewater Canyon suggests a history of geological exploration or ranching access in these remote reaches of New Mexico. While lacking permanent settlements, the map provides a precise inventory of the natural landmarks and water sources essential for navigating this environment during the early 1960s.