2023 Map of Pierce Peak

About this map

The Alamo Hueco Mountains dominate this arid landscape in the southern reaches of Hidalgo County, rising toward the prominent Pierce Peak. This corner of the Chihuahuan Desert is defined by its seasonal water sources and canyons, with features like The Thicket Spring and Cottonwood Spring providing vital points of interest in an otherwise high-desert environment. Local ranching history is etched into the terrain through various catchment systems such as Pierce Tank, McFarlands Tank, and Little Hat Top Tank, which supported the remote settlements of McFarlands and Pierce. The map also details numerous drainages, including Emory Canyon and Cottonwood Canyon, alongside distinctive landforms like Little Hat Top Butte and Hat Top Mountain, illustrating the intricate topographical character of this borderlands region.