2020 Map of Elsie Canyon

About this map

Elsie Canyon and its network of ephemeral drainage systems define this landscape along the boundary of Lincoln and Chaves Counties. The terrain is deeply incised by multiple named canyons, including Cherry Canyon and Catclaw Canyon, which feed into Salt Cr as it winds through the central corridor. This topographic study from the Bureau of Land Management and USGS data sources reveals a sparsely populated ranching or grazing environment where water management is critical, evidenced by isolated features like Antelope Lake and Chimney Lake. Transportation is limited to a few arterial local roads such as W Pine Lodge Rd and Draper Rd, which traverse the high ground between canyon breaks. The map provides a precise look at the township and range survey lines that partitioned this arid New Mexico territory into its modern agricultural and jurisdictional blocks.