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 peoples of the Americas|indigenous tribes.
Legends of the Mesa being the gateway to the demon world by the Navajo have existed for hundreds of years. Many people have had strange experiences on the Mesa including being attacked by invisible forces. There are also rumored to be a number of ghosts such as the ghost of a boy scout and the Ghost of a Navajo shaman who protects the two remaining cat totems on the Mesa to keep the demons from escaping.
| Urraca Mesa | |
|---|---|
 The mesa as seen from Tooth Ridge | |
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 8,594 ft (2,619 m) NAVD 88[1] |
| Coordinates | 36°24′49″N 104°59′53″W[2] |
| Geography | |
  Urraca Mesa | |
| Location | Colfax County, New Mexico, U.S. |
| Topo map | USGS 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 small intermittent spring at the base. 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
- "Urraca Mesa, New Mexico". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved 2014-02-17.
- "Urraca Mesa". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved 2014-02-17.
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