2019 Map of Hayrick Mountain

About this map

The intersection of Howard, Mitchell, and Sterling Counties forms the backdrop for this rugged West Texas landscape. The terrain is defined by prominent elevations such as Hayrick Mtn and Rattlesnake Mtn, which overlook a network of seasonal watercourses including Mustang Cr, Bull Cr, and Forest Cr. The presence of numerous man-made water features, such as Dipping Vat Tank, Jackson Tank, and Telephone Tank, underscores the area's primary focus on cattle ranching and livestock management. These reservoirs are vital infrastructure in a region where natural springs like Spring Tank are scarce. Toward the south, Gardener Draw and Rockwater Hole represent significant topographic shifts where drainage patterns converge, providing essential water sources for the remote ranch lands that dominate this tri-county border region. This survey illustrates the continued reliance on scattered water improvements and private road networks like Mcdonald RD to maintain the rural economy of the Texas plains.