This image shows a portion of the high, sheer walls that form the Cimmaron Canyon Palisades in New Mexico. This formation is known as a sill, a formation made of lava that has flowed from a dike to cover other landforms.
Genuine Curteich-Chicago “C.T. Art Colortone”
The description states:
71 PALISADES IN CIMMARON CANYON, N. M.
On Highway 64 from Baton to Taos, N. M., we pass over one of the most beautiful views in the section of the Rockies.
Many artists journey from N. Y. and eastern points to paint its grandeur upon canvas.
In pioneer days it was a dangerous and treacherous route for the traveler as behind many a rock, a blood-thirsty savage lurked.
–The language of the last sentence is clearly from a time before the wide recognition of Native American legitimacy and dignity, given that the “savage” was protecting what was owned and occupied by him for centuries from a untrustworthy and violent invader.
This card likely dates from the 1940s.