2020 Map of Broken Back Crater

About this map

Broken Back Crater dominates the high desert landscape of this Lincoln and Socorro County border region as it appeared in 2020. The terrain is characterized by a network of drainage systems including Serno Draw, Lobo Canyon, and Taylor Canyon, which cut through the arid flats and mesas. The tiny settlement of Lovelace serves as a lone human outpost in an area primarily defined by large-scale ranching and land management infrastructure. Water management is the primary visible modification to the land, evidenced by numerous named stock tanks such as Hidden Waterhole Tank, Lake Tank, and Big Antelope Tank dispersed across the sections. The western portion of the map transitions into the elevated Chupadera Mesa, while several U.S. Geological Survey tracked routes, including WSMR S Route 3506, provide limited access through the rugged geography.