2010 Map of Sabinata Flat

About this map

The community of Tularosa occupies the western edge of this High Desert landscape, where the town’s grid meets the alluvial reach of Sabinata Flat. As seen in 2010, the area is defined by a sophisticated network of water management features essential for life in the Tularosa Basin, including Mitchell Dam and numerous named water sources like Burro Water Hole and Chicken Ranch Spring. The terrain transitions from the low Sabinata Flat Arroyo toward the rising elevations of the Coyote Hills, carved by deep drainage systems such as Tularosa Canyon and Tecolote Canyon. Southeast of the main settlement, the smaller cluster at Alamorosa sits near the Laborcita Arroyo, illustrating the historical pattern of development following the seasonal watercourses and spring lines. These numerous springs, from Gomez Spring to Dripping Spring, reflect the vital importance of groundwater to the ranching operations and early settlements throughout Otero County.