1981 Map of Broken Back Crater

About this map

Broken Back Crater dominates this volcanic landscape along the boundary between Socorro and Lincoln counties, rising from the stark basalt flows of The Malpais. This 1980s orthophotomosaic reveals a ranching economy reliant on an intricate system of water collection, with names like Hidden Water Hole Tank, Malpais Tank, and Crater Wells marking the vital infrastructure of the high desert. The southern portion of the map transitions into the restricted territory of the White Sands Missile Range, while the northern reaches are carved by deep drainages like Lobo Canyon and Hidden Canyon. The presence of the Black Hills Ranch and the Iron Mine Road suggests the intersection of traditional land use and historic industrial activity in this arid region of the Southwest.