2023 Map of Kilbourne Hole

About this map

The volcanic landscape of Doa Ana County is defined by the massive phreatomagmatic craters known as Kilbourne Hole and Hunts Hole. These features, along with the smaller Phillips Hole to the east, represent significant geological events where rising magma encountered groundwater, creating violent steam explosions that left behind these deep, circular depressions. Much of this distinctive terrain is preserved within the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument, a protected area that encompasses the arid flats and volcanic features. In the southwestern corner, the foothills of the East Potrillo Mountains begin to rise above the desert floor. The map is crossed by a network of county roads such as Co RD a011 and Co RD A-14, which provide access to this sparse, desert landscape while following the established section lines of the Public Land Survey System.