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2012 Map of Sauceda Ranch

Name: 2012 Topographic Map of Sauceda Ranch
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2012
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2012

About this map

Sauceda Ranch serves as a central point in this high-desert landscape of Presidio County, where survival is dictated by the locations of critical water sources. The map details a network of springs and natural drainage systems essential for cattle ranching in the Big Bend region, including Lava Escondido Spring and Ojo Escondido Spring to the north, and Smith Springs in the southeast. Named settlements like Papalote Escondido and Papalote Llano suggest the historical importance of windmills (papalotes) in drawing water for livestock.

The topography is defined by significant elevations such as Post Mtn and Panther Mtn, while the presence of the Big Bend Ranch State Park Airport indicates the modern state park infrastructure. To the south, the terrain descends toward Madrid Falls, following the path of Panther Cr. This survey documents a working ranching landscape within one of the most secluded sections of the Texas borderlands.