2019 Map of Bourland Canyon

About this map

The Rio Grande carves a deep international boundary along the eastern edge of this Brewster County landscape, marking the border between the United States and Mexico. This 2019 survey documents a complex system of drainage and relief, where the protected corridor of the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River meets a network of rugged desert washes. The terrain is defined by dramatic incisions such as Maravillas Canyon and Bourland Canyon, which channel seasonal runoff toward the primary river valley. Maravillas Creek winds through the northwestern reaches, contributing to the hydrologic pattern of this trans-boundary region. The absence of developed roads or settlements highlights the primitive nature of this river corridor, where topographical features like Dog Canyon and Driftwood Canyon provide the primary landmarks for navigation through the Big Bend backcountry.