2019 Map of Lewis Ranch

About this map

Horse Creek Reservoir dominates the high plains landscape of the Otero and Bent County border, serving as a critical node in the regional irrigation network of the early 21st century. The map illustrates a sophisticated hydraulic system designed to manage water in this arid environment, featuring the expansive Fort Lyon Storage Canal and the Horse Cr Supply Canal. The eponymous Lewis Ranch sits near the reservoir's northern edge, illustrating the enduring relationship between private landholdings and managed water resources. Local transport is defined by a grid of county roads, including Timber Lake Rd and Co Rd 36, which provide access to the remote sections and ranch lands. This 2019 survey documents the continued reliance on the Horse Cr Reservoir Outlet Ditch and the Lewis Lateral to distribute water from Horse Cr across the surrounding range.