2017 Map of Oscura

About this map

Oscura sits at the heart of this high-desert landscape in Lincoln County, where the transition between the Tularosa Basin and the surrounding highlands is marked by a series of prominent peaks and canyons. The presence of Cora Crew and Kimmons suggests the enduring character of these rural outposts, while the terrain is defined by a succession of named ridges and hills, including Bull Gap Ridge, Milagro Hill, and the Phillips Hills. Water remains the critical factor for survival and settlement in this arid environment, evidenced by scattered water sources like Milagro Springs, Phillips Springs, and Lopez Spring. Along the eastern edge of the quadrangle, the topography rises sharply toward Jackass Mtn and the Godfrey Hills, creating a natural barrier that funnels movement through features like Lopez Canyon. Transportation across the basin is facilitated by a network of range roads and highways such as Oscuro Range Rd and Wsmr S RT 313.