1976 Map of Mule Peak

About this map

Omlee sits at the base of the dramatic escarpment that dominates the eastern half of this 1976 orthophotograph. This specialized survey, produced by the Geological Survey in cooperation with the Soil Conservation Service, captures the landscape of Otero County through rectified aerial imagery rather than traditional topographic lines. The imagery reveals the sharp transition between the flat basin floor and the deeply incised drainage systems of the mountains, including Mule Canyon and San Andres Canyon. High points like Mule Peak overlook the narrow transit corridor where rail and road infrastructure follow the mountain's edge. The detailed photography provides a clear view of land use patterns, from the organized grid near the settlement to the natural alluvial fans spreading from Dog Canyon and Alamo.