2022 Map of Owl Hills

About this map

The Delaware River cuts a prominent path through this corner of Culberson County, defining the arid hydrology of the Trans-Pecos landscape. The eponymous Owl Hills dominate the western portion of the sheet, surrounded by a network of ephemeral watercourses including Owl Draw, Kimbell Draw, and China Draw. These drainage patterns are critical markers for understanding the historical movement of livestock and people through this desert environment. Water management infrastructure, essential for ranching in this dry climate, is represented by isolated features like Owl Tank and Brushy Tank. Human impact on the land is further evidenced by the industrial presence of Pipeline Rd, which traverses the northern reaches of the quadrangle, contrasting with the natural geologic formations like Gyp Draw.