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2023 Map of Wildhorse Mesa

Name: 2023 Topographic Map of Wildhorse Mesa
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2023
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2023

About this map

Wildhorse Mesa dominates this landscape in Santa Fe County, where the high desert terrain is defined by deep drainages and isolated water sources. Running north to south, US Highway 285 provides the primary corridor through this arid region, flanked by prominent geological formations like the White Bluffs and Pine Mesa. The mapping reveals a complex network of seasonal water management, including Estracada Tank-Number 1, Buckhorn Tank, and Rock Quarry Tank, essential for sustaining life and livestock in this environment.

Local landmarks such as Tarhole Canyon and Hub Canyon slice through the mesas, while named springs like Cañoncito Spring indicate rare permanent water points. This modern survey by the U.S. Geological Survey also details local infrastructure, such as Co RD 34 and Ojo De La Vaca Rd, connecting scattered ranching resources across the open range. The topography is marked by significant elevation changes, from the depths of Buckhorn Canyon to the heights of the mesas.