2020 Map of Colonias

About this map

Colonias and the nearby settlement of Casas del Medio anchor the upper reaches of this high-desert landscape where the Pecos River carves deep, winding canyons through the terrain. The topography is defined by prominent landforms such as Mesa del Medio and Mesita Cortada, overlooking a network of seasonal water sources and natural depressions like Laguna del Tul and Laguna del Arabe. The map reveals a pastoral way of life dependent on these waters, with numerous tanks such as Mullins Tank and Tank Lake scattered across the plains to support ranching operations. Roads like Colonias Rd and Medio Rd link these remote outposts to the rugged features of the Cañon de Desaque and Cañon de Uta, illustrating how human settlement in Guadalupe County has long been shaped by the dramatic shifts in elevation and the search for reliable water in the Guadalupe Draw basin.