New Mexico State Maps
These maps show New Mexico's Counties, Cities, Federal Areas, Physiographic, and Ecoregions.

The 33 Counties of New Mexico and Their Name Origins
- Bernalillo County: Named after a prominent family in New Mexico's early history.
- Catron County: Named for Thomas Benton Catron, a U.S. Senator from New Mexico.
- Chaves County: Named after Colonel Jose Francisco Chaves, a prominent military figure.
- Cibola County: Named after the mythical Seven Cities of Cibola, which the Spanish believed to be rich in gold.
- Colfax County: Named for Schuyler Colfax, the 17th Vice President of the United States.
- Curry County: Named after George Curry, the territorial governor of New Mexico.
- De Baca County: Named after Ezequiel Cabeza de Baca, the second Governor of New Mexico.
- Dona Ana County: Named after Doña Ana Robledo, a colonist of New Mexico.
- Eddy County: Named after Charles B. Eddy, who helped establish the county.
- Grant County: Named after Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States.
- Guadalupe County: Named after Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patron saint of Mexico.
- Harding County: Named after President Warren G. Harding.
- Hidalgo County: Named after the town of Hidalgo in Mexico.
- Lea County: Named for a prominent pioneer family in New Mexico.
- Lincoln County: Named after Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States.
- Los Alamos County: Named after the Los Alamos Ranch School, meaning "the poplars" in Spanish.
- Luna County: Named after Solomon Luna, a prominent sheep rancher and politician.
- McKinley County: Named after President William McKinley.
- Mora County: Named after the village of Mora, which means "mulberry" in Spanish.
- Otero County: Named after Miguel Antonio Otero, the first Hispanic Governor of New Mexico.
- Quay County: Named after Matthew S. Quay, a U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania.
- Rio Arriba County: Named after the upper Rio Grande River.
- Roosevelt County: Named after President Theodore Roosevelt.
- San Juan County: Named after Saint John the Baptist (San Juan Bautista in Spanish).
- San Miguel County: Named for Saint Michael (San Miguel) the Archangel.
- Sandoval County: Named after the prominent Sandoval family.
- Santa Fe County: Named after the capital city, Santa Fe, which means "holy faith" in Spanish.
- Sierra County: Named for the Sierra de los Caballos (mountain range).
- Socorro County: Named after the town of Socorro, meaning "help" or "relief" in Spanish.
- Taos County: Named after the Taos Pueblo and town.
- Torrance County: Named after Francis J. Torrance, a prominent New Mexico rancher.
- Union County: Named to symbolize the hope for the United States’ continued unity after the Civil War.
- Valencia County: Named for the town of Valencia, which was in turn named after Valencia in Spain.

New Mexico State County Sizes Map
Smallest County in New Mexico State
Los Alamos County: 107 sq miles
Largest County in New Mexico State
Catron County: 6,947 sq miles
Mean and Median Area of Counties in New Mexico State
Mean Area: Approx 2,344 sq miles
Median Area: Approx 1,700 sq miles

Major Cities of New Mexico State and Their Locations
New Mexico’s major cities are spread across a diverse range of landscapes, from the high desert to river valleys and mountainous regions. Below are some of the key cities and their notable features:
1. Albuquerque
Albuquerque is the largest city in New Mexico, located in the central part of the state along the Rio Grande. It serves as a cultural and economic hub, known for its vibrant arts scene, annual Balloon Fiesta, and historic Old Town.
2. Santa Fe
Santa Fe, the capital city of New Mexico, is one of the oldest cities in the United States, renowned for its adobe architecture, thriving arts community, and historical significance. It sits in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
3. Taos
Taos is located in northern New Mexico, known for its rich Native American history and as a major center for the arts. The nearby Taos Pueblo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the town is famous for its skiing and outdoor activities.
4. Gallup
Gallup, situated in northwestern New Mexico, is often called the "Indian Capital of the World" due to its significance in Native American culture and trading. It also serves as a gateway to many of the state's scenic attractions.
5. Carlsbad
Carlsbad, located in southeastern New Mexico, is most famous for Carlsbad Caverns National Park, a major tourist destination. The city also has a strong agricultural and oil industry base.
6. Las Cruces
Las Cruces, in southern New Mexico near the Rio Grande, is a rapidly growing city known for its rich agricultural industry, especially chile production. It is home to New Mexico State University and is surrounded by scenic natural landmarks such as the Organ Mountains.
7. Farmington
Farmington is located in the Four Corners region of northwestern New Mexico. It is a major center for oil and natural gas production, as well as a gateway to Native American reservations and national parks.
8. Los Alamos
Los Alamos, located on the Pajarito Plateau, is known for its history as the site of the Manhattan Project and its ongoing role in scientific research. It is also surrounded by natural beauty, offering hiking and outdoor recreational opportunities.
9. Alamogordo
Alamogordo, situated in southern New Mexico near White Sands National Park, is known for its proximity to the White Sands Missile Range and its role in space research and development.
10. Deming
Deming is located in southwestern New Mexico along the I-10 corridor. It is a quiet town known for its agriculture, particularly pecan and chile production, as well as its wine industry.
11. Roswell
Roswell, in southeastern New Mexico, gained international fame due to the 1947 UFO incident, though it is also a center for agriculture and military training. The city offers visitors a mix of quirky tourism and traditional industries.
12. Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa, located in eastern New Mexico along the historic Route 66, is known for its natural lakes and the Blue Hole, a popular diving spot. The town serves as a rest stop for travelers and has a rich history tied to the Old West.

Topographic Tour of New Mexico
New Mexico offers a diverse range of terrains, shaped by its unique geology, climate, and natural features. From the high desert to rugged mountains, the state presents a varied and stunning landscape.
1. The Rio Grande Rift
The Rio Grande Rift runs through the heart of New Mexico, creating a distinct valley and river system. The rift has influenced the geography and ecology of the region, with the Rio Grande providing water to both cities and agricultural regions.
2. The Rocky Mountains
The southern tip of the Rocky Mountains extends into northern New Mexico, where high peaks, including Wheeler Peak, create dramatic landscapes and alpine ecosystems.
3. The Basin and Range Province
The southwestern region of New Mexico is part of the Basin and Range Province, characterized by flat desert basins separated by mountain ranges. This area includes the rugged Organ Mountains and the arid Chihuahuan Desert.

Physiographic Regions of New Mexico
Basin And Range, Mexican Highland
This region covers the southern part of the state and features alternating mountain ranges and desert basins, a signature of the Basin and Range province.
Basin And Range, Sacramento
The Sacramento Mountains form part of the eastern boundary of the Basin and Range, rising dramatically from the desert floor.
Colorado Plateaus, Canyon Lands
The northwestern part of New Mexico is characterized by the dramatic canyons and mesas of the Colorado Plateau, a region of stark, rugged beauty.
Colorado Plateaus, Datil
The Datil section of the Colorado Plateau features volcanic landforms and high mesas, offering a unique landscape in central New Mexico.
Colorado Plateaus, Navajo
This region, named after the Navajo people, includes vast expanses of desert and red rock formations, stretching across northwestern New Mexico.
Great Plains, High Plains
The eastern part of New Mexico is part of the High Plains, an expansive grassland that stretches into Texas and Oklahoma.
Great Plains, Pecos Valley
The Pecos River cuts through the eastern plains, creating a fertile valley that has been essential for agriculture.
Great Plains, Raton
The Raton section of the Great Plains covers the northeastern part of New Mexico. This region is known for the Raton Basin, a geologic formation rich in coal deposits and rugged volcanic landscapes, including the extinct Capulin Volcano.
Southern Rocky Mountains
The southern extension of the Rocky Mountains forms a key region in northern New Mexico, offering rugged peaks and forested landscapes.

Notable Federal Lands in New Mexico: Largest and Most Fascinating Destinations
1. White Sands National Park
White Sands National Park is known for its vast dunes of gypsum sand, creating a unique and striking landscape in southern New Mexico.
2. Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Carlsbad Caverns is famous for its extensive underground limestone caves, with impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
3. Gila Wilderness
The Gila Wilderness is one of the oldest wilderness areas in the United States, offering rugged mountains, deep canyons, and ancient Native American cliff dwellings.
4. Chaco Culture National Historical Park
Chaco Canyon was a major center of Ancestral Puebloan culture, and today it offers visitors the chance to explore ancient ruins and starry night skies.

Ecoregions of New Mexico
Arkansas Tablelands Section
This section includes a mix of grasslands and scattered mountains in eastern New Mexico, part of the High Plains region.
Basin and Range Section
The southern and southwestern parts of New Mexico are dominated by the Basin and Range, featuring desert landscapes and mountain ranges.
Grand Canyon Lands Section
The far northwest corner of New Mexico features the same geologic formations found in the Grand Canyon region, with deep canyons and mesas.
Navajo Canyonlands Section
Red rock formations, mesas, and canyons dominate this section, home to the Navajo Nation and other Indigenous peoples.
Northern Rio Grande Intermontane Section
The Rio Grande Rift creates a distinct valley and ecosystem, with fertile lands used for agriculture and urban centers like Albuquerque.
Painted Desert Section
The colorful, arid landscape of the Painted Desert stretches across northwestern New Mexico, offering dramatic vistas and geological formations.
Pecos Valley Section
The Pecos River creates a rich agricultural region in eastern New Mexico, contrasting with the surrounding plains and deserts.
Sacramento-Monzano Mountain Section
Mountain ranges like the Sacramento and Monzano rise dramatically from the desert, offering cooler climates and forested environments.
South-Central Highlands Section
This section includes highland areas with forests and grasslands, creating a diverse and rich environment in southern New Mexico.
Southern Parks and Ranges Section
The southern ranges and valleys of New Mexico feature dramatic landscapes and unique ecosystems, including the Chihuahuan Desert.
Texas High Plains Section
The High Plains extend into eastern New Mexico, forming a flat, expansive grassland region that supports agriculture and ranching.
Upper Rio Grande Basin Section
The upper reaches of the Rio Grande Basin offer fertile lands and significant cultural heritage, as Indigenous peoples have lived in this region for centuries.
White Mountain-San Francisco Peaks Section
The San Francisco Peaks and White Mountains create a distinct region in northwestern New Mexico, offering cooler climates and high-elevation ecosystems.