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2017 Map of Rail Canyon

Name: 2017 Topographic Map of Rail Canyon
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2017
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2017

About this map

The Continental Divide winds through this high-altitude landscape in Catron County, serving as the topographical backbone for a region defined by steep drainages and essential water management. The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail traverses the western and central portions of the map, providing a designated route through the complex terrain of Fullerton Canyon and Cottonwood Canyon.

Because the natural hydrology is dominated by ephemeral flows through deep cuts like Rail Canyon and Batton Canyon, the landscape is dotted with numerous man-made catchments. Features such as Indian House Tank, Upper Divide Tank, and Button Pond illustrate the critical importance of water storage in this arid environment. These tanks, often named for local geographic features or families, represent the infrastructure necessary to support ranching or wildlife across the rugged mesas and canyons of the Gila region.