2022 Map of Norton Mesa

About this map

Norton Mesa and Roberts Mesa dominate this West Texas landscape in Hudspeth County, where high plateaus are punctuated by an extensive system of man-made water catchments. These "tanks," essential for livestock management in the arid climate, are often named for local families or landmarks, such as Andy Grant Tank, East Love Tank, and White Bull Tank. The distribution of these features across the map highlights the ranching heritage of the region, where water security dictated the placement of infrastructure. A network of unpaved access routes, including Frederick Rd and Big Tank Rd, connects these isolated points, weaving through the gaps between the mesas. This contemporary survey by the U.S. Geological Survey provides a precise view of the topography as it exists today, serving as a valuable reference for those tracing the modern geography of these traditional ranch lands.