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1985 Map of Mount Riley

Name: 1985 Topographic Map of Mount Riley
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1985
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1985

About this map

Mount Riley and the adjacent Cox Peak dominate this arid landscape within the East Potrillo Mountains of southern New Mexico. This 1985 provisional survey, compiled from mid-1970s aerial photography, documents a terrain defined by volcanic features and water scarcity. Human activity is sparse, marked primarily by scattered prospects that hint at mineral exploration in the mountain foothills.

The distribution of water resources is critical to understanding the land use in this corner of Doña Ana County. A series of man-made and natural catchments, including Davids Tank, Rattlesnake Tank, Twin Tanks, and Gap Tank, provide the only essential water points across the desert floor. These features, along with Chalk Tank and Mesquite Tank, are vital landmarks for both historical ranching operations and modern-day navigation in this high-desert environment.