2013 Map of El Paso Gap

About this map

Hughes Ranch and McCollum Ranch anchor this high-desert landscape within the Lincoln National Forest on the border of Otero and Eddy Counties. The terrain is defined by a series of dramatic geographic markers including El Paso Gap, Klondike Gap, and the massive Shattuck Valley. Water management is vital in this arid environment, evidenced by numerous tanks and springs such as Black River Spring, Hollan Tank, and the Black River Water Storage facility. The road network, including Queens Hwy and Lookout Road, follows the natural contours of the ridges and canyons. The map documents the intricate drainage systems of the Middle Fork Big Canyon and North McKittrick Canyon, highlighting the complex topography that governs movement and settlement in this corner of New Mexico.