Urraca Mesa

Urraca Mesa is a large mesa located in Colfax County in northern New Mexico, U.S., on the property of Philmont Scout Ranch. It reaches an elevation of 8,594 feet (2,619 m). The mesa has a long history of mythical and supernatural associations, dating to the local indigenous tribes.

Urraca Mesa
The mesa as seen from Tooth Ridge
Highest point
Elevation8,594 ft (2,619 m) NAVD 88[1]
Coordinates36°24′49″N 104°59′53″W[2]
Geography
Urraca Mesa
LocationColfax County, New Mexico, U.S.
Topo mapUSGS Coyote Mesa

Name

The name comes from the Spanish word for magpie from ancient Native American legends.

Flora and fauna

The mesa is covered in Ponderosa pine. Black bears, wild turkeys, deer and mountain lions are among its inhabitants.

Topography

Urraca Mesa is relatively flat with the exception of a protruding plateau, which contains a freshwater source. It is known for having the highest number of lightning strikes anywhere in New Mexico.

A nearly vertical cliff that makes up part of Urraca Mesa

References


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