1985 Map of Potrillo Peak

About this map

The volcanic landscape of the West Potrillo Mountains dominates this mid-1980s topographical study in Doña Ana County. At its heart lies the prominent Potrillo Peak, surrounded by a complex system of cinder cones and desert basins. In this arid environment, the presence of various stock-watering features like Jays Tank, Bills Tank, and Hegens Tank indicates the land's utility for ranching and livestock management despite the challenging terrain. Farther south, Barbaras Tank serves as another localized marker in the high desert. The map's contour lines illustrate the stark elevation changes typical of this southwestern New Mexico range, capturing the transition from the desert floor to the heights of individual peaks before any significant modern development altered these remote volcanic fields.