2010 Map of Animas Peak

About this map

Animas Peak dominates this high-desert landscape in the bootheel of New Mexico, anchoring the southern reaches of the Animas Mountains. This era of land use is defined by isolated ranching outposts such as Howe Ranch and Gray Ranch, which rely on a critical network of water improvements to sustain operations in the arid Animas Valley. The map documents numerous man-made water features including Government Tank, Echels Tank, and Horse Camp Wells, illustrating the essential infrastructure of modern cattle ranching. Deep drainages like Black Bill Canyon and Bear Canyon cut through the range, while Animas Creek follows the valley floor. The placement of Black Bill Spring suggests the localized importance of natural water sources amidst the engineered tanks that now support the region's ranching economy.