2010 Map of Cooper Canyon

About this map

The White Sands Missile Range dominates this landscape, reflecting the military's significant footprint in New Mexico. The terrain is defined by a series of deep drainages and ridges, including the prominent Iron Mine Ridge and the broad Chupadera Mesa. A network of unpaved routes, such as WSMR S Route 3511 and WSMR S Route 41, connects remote points across the desert floor. Water is a vital resource here, marked by isolated points of infrastructure like the Forest Well Tank, Lobo Tank, and the New Forest Windmill. These features indicate the persistent, low-density ranching and grazing activity that occurs on the periphery of the missile range, evidenced by the presence of Ratliff Ranch. The intricate canyons, such as Yellow Dog Canyon and Aguila Canyon, provide a detailed look at the erosional patterns across this high-desert environment.