2013 Map of Pope

About this map

Jornada del Muerto defines the vast, arid expanse of this high desert landscape in Socorro County. This 2013 survey by the U.S. Geological Survey captures the sparse infrastructure of the region, where the historical imprint of the railroad is visible at Pope Siding. The terrain is marked by subtle elevation changes and drainage patterns characteristic of the Chihuahuan Desert. Local movement through this challenging environment is highlighted by the presence of Hard Luck Crossing, a named point that suggests the difficulty of navigating the wash and basin systems in an era of modern mapping. The map serves as a detailed record of the physical geography and the few arterial connections that traverse this remote portion of New Mexico.