Published in 1967 from survey work completed in 1963, the “Ruidoso Quadrangle” captures a richly contoured portion of south-central New Mexico at the authoritative 1:24,000 scale. Centered on the mountain village of Ruidoso, the map presents a landscape where settlement, forest, drainage, and relief are tightly interwoven. The Rio Ruidoso threads through the scene, while roads, trails, and elevation markings record the practical geography of a community poised between rustic remoteness and growing recreation. As a mid-century topographical portrait, it preserves Ruidoso before later expansion reshaped the surrounding valleys, slopes, and transport corridors, making it especially evocative for collectors interested in the evolving American Southwest.

The United States Geological Survey, founded in 1879, brought a distinctive scientific rigor to maps such as this, converting field observations into a precise visual language of contours, symbols, and color. Here, the terrain is not merely named but measured: closely spaced contour lines reveal steep hillsides, gentler intervals indicate valley floors, and carefully plotted streams and roads show how people moved through the mountains. The USGS style is elegant in its restraint, using color to distinguish water, vegetation, elevation, and human features without overwhelming the eye. The result is both technical and atmospheric, a map that reads as a scientific document while conveying the drama of high-country New Mexico.

Ruidoso appears as the principal populated place, set amid the folds of the Sacramento Mountains and near the protective expanse of Lincoln National Forest. Nearby names such as Ruidoso Downs, Mescalero, White Mountain, Hondo Valley, and Carrizozo situate the village within a broader regional network of mountain communities, river valleys, and desert approaches. The Rio Ruidoso and Bonito River help structure the landscape, carving natural routes through terrain that would otherwise be difficult to traverse. New Mexico Highway 48 and U.S. Route 70 mark the region’s principal lines of access, while smaller unnamed roads and trails suggest ranching, forestry, recreation, and local movement across a rugged upland environment.

The map is particularly compelling as a 1960s record of a place increasingly associated with leisure, skiing, hiking, and mountain retreat culture. Ruidoso’s proximity to Sierra Blanca and the surrounding high country helped define its identity as an escape from the arid lowlands, and the topography shown here explains why: ridges, ravines, wooded slopes, and stream corridors combine to form a naturally sheltered and scenic setting. Comparing this quadrangle with later maps reveals changes in development, road patterns, and land use, but this edition preserves an earlier moment when the village still sat within a visibly dominant mountain landscape. Its detail makes it a valuable window into both geography and regional transformation.

Beyond its local appeal, the “Ruidoso Quadrangle” reflects the larger story of mapping the American West after World War II, when federal topographic programs systematically documented terrain for planning, resource management, recreation, and public safety. In this map, the Sacramento Mountains are rendered not as a vague scenic backdrop but as a precise sequence of elevations, watersheds, and access routes. Lincoln National Forest anchors the landscape, while the surrounding valleys hint at the transition from forested uplands to the drier basins beyond. For admirers of New Mexico, mountain cartography, or USGS design, this map offers a finely composed study of a distinctive Southwestern place at a revealing historical moment.

Cities, towns and places on this map

• Ruidoso
• Lincoln National Forest
• Carrizozo
• Mescalero
• White Mountain
• Hondo Valley
• Ruidoso Downs
• Rio Ruidoso
• Bonito River
• Sierra Blanca
• Sacramento Mountains
• New Mexico Highway 48
• U.S. Route 70
• Several unnamed trails and roads
• Various elevation markers and points of interest

Historical context & cartographic details

• Historical 1:24,000 topographical map of Ruidoso, New Mexico, and the surrounding area
• Produced by the United States Geological Survey (USGS)
• Created using survey data from 1963 and published with a 1967 imprint
• The USGS was established in 1879 and is a scientific agency of the U.S. government focused on mapping, natural resources, landscapes, and natural hazards
• Uses color coding to show elevation and land use
• Includes contour lines to represent altitude and topographic variation
• Shows mountainous terrain around Ruidoso, with rolling hills, valleys, and varied elevations
• Provides a 1960s snapshot of the region for comparison with later changes in development, land use, and natural landscape features

Looking for a particular place? Review the detailed images to confirm that the town, landmark or feature you have in mind appears on the map. If you are unsure, ask our workshop to check before you order.

Detailed maps are especially rewarding at larger sizes, where names, boundaries and decorative features have more room to be appreciated. Use the close-up preview and size guide to choose the right scale for your wall.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

Where personalisation is available, you can add a short title or dedication, mark one meaningful place, or request one considered visual detail. See personalised map examples.

Every piece is printed to museum-grade archival standards using fade-resistant pigment inks on acid-free matte paper. Choose an unframed map print, framed map or canvas using the finish options above. Framed maps use crystal-clear optical acrylic and arrive ready to hang.

With its rich detail and strong sense of place, this map makes a considered gift for a new home, anniversary, retirement or anyone with a personal connection to the area shown. Still deciding? Explore our collection of rare old and vintage maps to discover another place, period or style.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.