2020 Map of Wiley Mesa

About this map

Wiley Mesa dominates this corner of the High Desert where the borders of Cibola, Catron, and Socorro counties converge. The landscape is defined by massive landforms like Techado Mesa and Mid Mesa, carved by deep drainage systems such as Middle Mesa Canyon and Painted Rock Canyon. Water sources are vital markers in this arid environment, ranging from the springs at Ojo de la Mosca and Willow Spring to isolated catchments like Wedding Tank and Latta Tanks. To the south, the terrain descends toward the Rio Salado and the curiously named Kicking Bear Wash. The network of simple tracks, including Mertz and Merch Rd, underscores the remote nature of this ranching and grazing land as it was documented by the Geological Survey in the early twenty-first century.