Loading map...

1980 Map of Barrilla Mountains West

Name: 1980 Topographic Map of Barrilla Mountains West
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1981
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1981

About this map

The Barrilla Mountains dominate this high-desert landscape in Jeff Davis and Reeves Counties, characterized by a complex network of springs, windmills, and canyons. Ranching infrastructure is exceptionally dense here, evidenced by numerous water features like the Carpenter Goat Windmill, Hernandez Windmill, and Shewmake Windmill. These names suggest a legacy of local land use and family-managed holdings during the late twentieth century.

Along the southern edge, the perennial path of Limpia Creek cuts through the terrain, while further north, high-elevation landmarks such as Carpenter Mountain and the Carpenter Radio Tower provide navigational anchors. The map also documents ephemeral drainage patterns like Carrizo Draw and North Elkins Draw, alongside remote watering holes including Agua Fria Spring and Agua Primera Spring. An isolated Landing Strip and a web of Jeep Trails illustrate the era's reliance on rugged transportation to reach the more secluded interior of the mountains.