2023 Map of Encino Draw

About this map

Encino Draw and a network of ephemeral watercourses define this high-desert landscape in Chaves County. The terrain is deeply incised by a series of drainages, including Horse Canyon and Bear Canyon, which move water toward broader lowlands like Bell Flat during seasonal rains. This 2023 survey illustrates the modern ranching infrastructure of the region, where roads such as Cauhape Ranch Rd and Russel Gap Rd provide access to isolated water sources like Hall Tank. These human-made features are critical for livestock management in an environment where natural permanent water is scarce. The map also traces the long paths of Long Canyon Draw and Fourmile Draw, showing how physical geography dictates the placement of county roads and ranch tracks in this corner of New Mexico.