Between the mountains and the plains is another distinct region known as the Las Vegas Plateau, while Glorieta Mesa in the southwestern corner represents still another distinct zone. The sources of the Pecos River and its tributaries are located in the Sangre de Cristos and flow in a southeasterly direction. The Canadian River has been dammed to form Conchas Reservoir. San Miguel is a relatively poor county with a low per capita income. Agriculture, primarily cattle ranching, contributes to the San Miguel economy.
Government is an important economic sector.
Major government facilities include New Mexico Highlands University, Luna Vocational-Technical Institute and the Las Vegas Medical Center, all located in Las Vegas. I-25 passes through Las Vegas, the largest community and county seat. During its colorful history, the Santa Fe Trail was used by traders, merchants, mountain men, gold seekers, military expeditions, immigrants and a few early-day tourists. Follow the old Santa Fe Trail and honor the thousands of men and women who bravely pioneered across the unknown plains in modern-day San Miguel, Mora, Colfax and Union counties. Route 66 aficiandos might also explore the remaining segments of a pre-1938 alignment that travels north from Guadalupe County to Las Vegas hence to Santa Fe.