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2017 Map of Rayo Hills

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

USGS Topo · Published 2017

About this map

Rayo Hills and the dramatic geological passage of Chupadera Gap dominate this high-desert landscape along the border of Socorro and Torrance counties. The terrain is defined by a series of north-south ridges and deep drainages, including Montosa Canyon, Pelon Canyon, and Cañada de el Medio.

Water management is central to the land's utility in this arid environment, evidenced by scattered livestock watering points like Barber Tank, Bryan Tank, and Sais Tank. Significant seasonal watercourses like Sand Draw and Rancho Viejo Arroyo carve through the foothills. A network of White Sands Missile Range routes, such as WSMR S Route 3816 and WSMR P Route 7, crisscross the area, indicating the integration of this remote landscape into federal defense and range operations.