Loading map...

2016 Map of Molesworth Mesa North

Name: 2016 Topographic Map of Molesworth Mesa North
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2016
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2016

About this map

Molesworth Mesa dominates the southern reaches of this high-desert landscape in Hudspeth County, where the terrain is defined by a network of drainage channels and vital water catchment systems. The topographic survey reveals a series of named "tanks"—artificial or natural depressions used to gather seasonal runoff—such as Double Tank, Snake Tank, and Boulder Tank. These points of water, along with larger depressions like the Lake, serve as the primary landmarks in an otherwise open range, reflecting the critical importance of water management for cattle ranching in the Trans-Pecos region.

Transportation through this arid stretch is focused on the corridor of highway 62 180 and the unpaved Stewart Ranch Rd, which provides access to the interior. Broad drainage features like Hitson Draw and Buck Horn Draw carve through the land, directing the flow of water toward the lower elevations. The map provides a clear look at the sparse but essential infrastructure required to sustain life and industry in this corner of West Texas during the mid-2010s.