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2023 Map of Bell Canyon

Name: 2023 Topographic Map of Bell Canyon
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2023
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2023

About this map

Lincoln National Forest encompasses this high-altitude landscape of Otero County, defined by a complex network of canyons and upland water management. The settlement at Mayhill sits at the intersection of several deep drainages, including Lake Canyon and James Canyon, where the local road system follows the natural contours of the floor. For genealogists, the presence of the Sixteen Springs Canyon Cemetery and the James Canyon Cemetery provides specific points of interest for family research in this mountain community.

Water infrastructure is remarkably dense for this arid region, with dozens of earthen improvements such as Dollins Tank, Wet Burnt Tank, and Graveyard Tank supporting ranching and forest management. These man-made features are interspersed with natural sources like Mickson Spring and Hyatt Spring. Transportation history is visible through named routes like Old Mayhill Rd and residential developments near Twin Forks, illustrating the transition from historic canyon trails to modern rural access.