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2010 Map of Wiley Mesa

Name: 2010 Topographic Map of Wiley Mesa
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2010
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2010

About this map

Wiley Mesa and the surrounding high desert of Cibola County are defined by a complex network of canyons and high plateaus. The landscape is carved by deep drainages including Miguel Chavez Canyon, Painted Rock Canyon, and the Rio Salado which traverses the southern portion of the sheet. Human presence in this arid environment is tied closely to water management, as evidenced by a series of specialized catchments like Tadpole Tank, Gist Tanks, and Middle Mesa Tank.

Remote outposts such as Manning Cabin reflect the land's history of isolated homesteading or ranching. The infrastructure of the area relies on dispersed water-pumping stations, notably the Rincon Windmill, Saddle Windmill, and Watson Windmill. High points like Techado Mesa provide a stark contrast to the low-lying Blue Water Creek, showcasing the verticality of this New Mexican terrain during the early 21st century.