1996 Map of Magdalena Peak

About this map

Magdalena Peak serves as the focal point for this arid landscape in Doña Ana County, where an Observatory sits atop the high ground overlooking the Sierra de las Uvas. The terrain is defined by a sophisticated system of water catchment tanks, essential for ranching and survival in this desert environment. These features, including Lone Tree Tank, Talanio Pinto Tank, and Little Mills Tank, are distributed across the foothills and canyon floors. Natural drainage patterns are clearly marked by the deep incisions of Mason Draw and Silva Canyon. To the north, the elevation levels out toward Flat Top and Mesa Azul, while the central portion of the map is dominated by the complex ridges of Mountain and The Saddle. This survey reflects the late 20th-century geographic state of these high-desert uplands prior to significant modern development.