Catron County

Catron County is an administrative division in southwestern New Mexico that covers a mountainous landscape. The area encompasses large sections of the Apache and Gila National Forests along with small urban areas centered on Reserve, the county seat.

The county was founded in 1921 and named after Thomas B. Catron, a prominent attorney and politician from Santa Fe. This naming reflected Catron's major role in early New Mexico statehood affairs.

The valley communities here maintain deep ties to ranching traditions and outdoor living that shape daily routines. People gather around the small towns, where lifestyle reflects decades of connection to the land and mountains.

The area offers basic lodging in Reserve and some supplies, but long distances between destinations are typical. Visitors should bring adequate provisions and consider four-wheel drive vehicles, especially for accessing back roads.

Nearly all the territory consists of national forest and public land, with less than one-fifth remaining privately owned. This makes it one of the wildest and least settled places in the region.

Location: New Mexico

Inception: February 25, 1921

Capital city: Reserve

Shares border with: Cibola County, Grant County, Socorro County, Sierra County, Greenlee County, Apache County

Website: http://catroncounty.us

GPS coordinates: 33.92000,-108.42000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:05