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Urraca Mesa
Philmont Scout Ranch Urraca Mesa from Tooth of Time.jpg
The mesa as seen from Tooth Ridge
Highest point
Elevation 8,594 ft (2,619 m) NAVD 88
Geography
Urraca Mesa is located in New Mexico
Urraca Mesa
Urraca Mesa
Location in New Mexico
Location Colfax County, New Mexico, U.S.
Topo map USGS Coyote 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.

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.

Urraca Mesa Cliff Philmont
A nearly vertical cliff that makes up part of Urraca Mesa
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