2023 Map of Bear Spring

About this map

Lincoln National Forest land defines this corner of Otero County, where a network of deep canyons and seasonal water sources supported early ranchers and settlers. The high-altitude landscape is dotted with named springs and catchments essential for survival in this arid environment, including Bear Spring, McEwan Spring, and the uniquely named Cecil Smith Water. On a ridge overlooking Sleepy Grass Canyon, the Jeffers Cem stands as a quiet marker of local family history, situated near Jeffers Spring. The map documents a complex system of drainage and movement through features like Bluewater Canyon and Hoosier Canyon, alongside modern recreation routes like the Juniper Ridge Trl. This modern survey traces the enduring geography of the Sacramento Mountains, preserving the locations of remote water tanks and historic family-named landmarks.