2010 Map of Broken Back Crater

About this map

Broken Back Crater dominates the central landscape of this Lincoln County survey, providing a clear view of the geologic transition into the dark basalt flows of The Malpais. The map documents a sparse, high-desert environment defined by rugged drainage systems like Lobo Canyon and Hidden Waterhole Canyon. Industrial history is represented by the Mex-Tex Group mining interest in the northeast, while the southwestern corner of the quadrangle is occupied by the restricted territory of the White Sands Missile Range. Small settlements and outposts such as Lovelace and Black Hills Ranch are connected by a network of primitive roads and County Rd A012, reflecting the ranching and resource extraction economy of the region. The map captures the alignment of drainages like Serno Draw and Walker Draw as they navigate the volcanic terrain.