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2016 Map of Cerro Castellan

Name: 2016 Topographic Map of Cerro Castellan
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2016
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2016

About this map

Cerro Castellan and the striking Mule Ear Peaks anchor this section of Big Bend National Park, where volcanic geology and desert hydrology dictate the landscape. The intricate network of seasonal drainages, including Javelina Wash and Smoky Creek, reveals how water has carved the terrain, most notably at the deep incision of Tuff Canyon. Historical springs like Burro Spring, Mule Ear Spring, and Trap Spring provide critical context for the locations of early human activity in this arid environment.

Prominent landmarks such as The Chimneys and the high elevation of Goat Mountain illustrate the complex topography of the Chisos Mountains foothills. Modern access is traced through the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive and Mule Ears Road, which connect these geologic features. For researchers, the map clearly delineates the distinct boundaries between the mesa landforms, such as Black Mesa and Burro Mesa, and the low-lying washes that drain toward the Rio Grande corridor.