2013 Map of Broken Back Crater

About this map

Broken Back Crater defines this desert landscape on the border of Socorro and Lincoln counties, where volcanic geology meets the vast Tularosa Valley. The map details a high-altitude ranching and military environment, characterized by the expansive Chupadera Mesa and The Malpais lava flows. Settlement is sparse, represented by the Black Hills Ranch and the locality of Lovelace near the southern boundary. Life in this arid region revolves around an intricate network of water management features, with numerous named catchments such as Shorty Tank, Hidden Waterhole Tank, and Martos Tank scattered across the terrain. These tanks, along with various draws and canyons like Serno Draw and Lobo Canyon, trace the essential drainage patterns that have supported livestock and land use in this corner of New Mexico for generations.