2001 Map of El Paso Gap

About this map

Lincoln National Forest and Guadalupe Mountains National Park converge at The Rim, a dramatic escarpment that defines the geography of this borderland. Near the intersection of New Mexico and Texas, the settlement of El Paso Gap Ch and nearby Cem reflect the sparse, high-desert ranching life that has long occupied these canyons. Water is the critical resource here, evidenced by numerous named sources like Devils Den Spring, Hog Spring, and Black River Spring, along with the industrial Black River Mine. The landscape is a network of ridges and drainages, from Upper Dog Canyon to the massive Big Canyon, which is fed by North Fork Big Canyon and Middle Fork Big Canyon. Long-standing cattle operations are marked by Hughes Ranch and McCollum Ranch, indicating the persistent human footprint in this protected wilderness area.