Rociada is a settled area in San Miguel County, New Mexico, United States, located 27 miles northwest of Las Vegas, the county seat. Rociada's name means "sprinkled with dew" in Spanish, reflecting its relatively high-elevation, mild, and moist climate in the summer compared to hot and arid areas of Northern New Mexico.Workers of the Federal Writers' Project in the State of New Mexico (1940). New Mexico, a Guide to the Colorful State, p. 378. Coronado Cuarto Centennial CommissionJulyan, Robert (1996). The Place Names of New Mexico. University of New Mexico Press Press
The Pendaries Gristmill, one mile east of Rociada is perhaps the best preserved gristmill in New Mexico. Built in the 1870s, the building is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
The Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak Fire (April to August 2022), one of the largest in New Mexico history, destroyed the forests on all the hillsides around the Rociada valley. Heavy monsoon rains resulted in flooding caused by water runoff from the denuded slopes. The area was evacuated during the fire.
Notable people Antonia Apodaca (1923–2020), a musician and songwriter was born and raised in Rociada.Carlin, Bob (ed.) (2002). American Musical Traditions: Latino and Asian American music, p. 53. Schirmer Reference. . José A. Baca (1876–1924), the 5th Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico and his wife Marguerite Pendaries Baca (1876–1971), the 6th Secretary of State of New Mexico had a large ranch near Rociada.
Climate
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