2010 Map of Black Bluffs

About this map

Elephant Butte Reservoir dominates this high-desert landscape in Sierra County, defining the hydrology and shoreline of the Rio Grande corridor. The topography is marked by a complex series of drainage systems, including Alamosa Creek and Monticello Canyon, which feed into the reservoir across prominent landforms such as North Monticello Point and Three Sisters Point. Evidence of local ranching and land use appears through Elkins Ranch and the Chavez Windmill, illustrating the human footprint in this arid environment. The map details a rugged transition from water to plateau, featuring landmarks like the White Cliffs and The Narrows, where the reservoir constricts between the bluffs. Numerous canyons, such as Hellion Canyon and Cottonwood Canyon, underscore the erosion patterns typical of this New Mexico terrain.