Near La Joya in Socorro County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Rio Salado Sand Dunes
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, July 21, 2011
1. Rio Salado Sand Dunes Marker
Dunes along this part of the Rio Grande Valley are formed by sand blown northeastward from the normally dry bed of the Rio Salado (salty river). The Rio Grande is in a deep trench between the uplifted Los Pinos Mountains to the east and the Ladrones Mountains to the northwest. Rocks from the crest of the Ladrones are found four miles deep below the dunes.
Erected by New Mexico Historic Preservation Division.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Environment.
Location. 34° 18.197′ N, 106° 53.376′ W. Marker is near La Joya, New Mexico, in Socorro County. It can be reached from Interstate 25 at milepost 166.4. Marker is in the northbound rest area. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: La Joya NM 87028, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southwest New Mexico and in the Rio Grande Valley. It is also in the American Southwest. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also the Republic of Texas.
Other nearby markers. At least 6 other markers are within 14 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Acomilla (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Rio Salado Sand Dunes (approx. 0.2 miles away); Doρa Eufemia (approx. 0.2 miles away); La Joya de Sevilleta (approx. 3.9 miles away); Sabino y Lemitar (approx. 10.2 miles away); Las Nutrias (approx. 13.1 miles away).
Also see . . . Geology and Sedimentation along the Lower Rio Salado in New Mexico
this page online
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, July 21, 2011
2. rear of Rio Salado Sand Dunes Marker
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, July 21, 2011
3. Rio Salado Sand Dunes Marker
Photographed by PaulwC3, July 21, 2013
4. Rio Salado Sand Dune Field
Credits. This page was last revised on February 3, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 29, 2011, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,151 times since then and 74 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 29, 2011, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 4. submitted on July 28, 2013, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
