2013 Map of Rattlesnake Springs

About this map

Carlsbad Caverns National Park anchors this portion of Eddy County, preserving a landscape where desert rangeland meet subterranean wonders. The map highlights the vital role of water in this arid environment, centered on the Rattlesnake Springs and the nearby Rattlesnake Springs Picnic Area. Ranching history is deeply etched into the terrain, evidenced by several named homesteads including Ballard Ranch, Circle K Ranch, and the Old C P Ranch. A network of unpaved tracks like Washington Ranch Rd and Ballard Ranch Rd connect these remote outposts, while the National Parks Hwy cuts a straight path across the desert floor toward the caverns. The topography is defined by seasonal drainages like Slaughter Canyon Draw and the limestone formations of the Yeso Hills, illustrating the complex hydrology that feeds Bottomless Lakes and Bottomless Lake Spring.