2019 Map of Cerro Orona

About this map

Chinati Mountains dominate the high-elevation landscape of Presidio County, where the topography is defined by significant vertical relief and intermittent water sources. This 2019 survey of the Cerro Orona quadrangle illustrates a network of desert canyons and arroyos, such as Pelillos Arroyo and Arroyo Borracha, that carve through the arid terrain. The presence of named water features like Jesusita Spring, La Cienaga Springs, and Ojo Canoa points to the critical importance of localized springs in this part of the Trans-Pecos. These points of interest, along with man-made catchments like Cement Tank and Back Tank, highlight the infrastructure required for land use in a region where surface water is scarce. From the peak of Red Hill to the lower reaches of Spencer Cr, the map records a wilderness area where ancient geological features and isolated springs dictate the pattern of human and animal activity.