2017 Map of Serpentine Bends

About this map

Carlsbad Caverns National Park and the Lincoln National Forest meet in this high-elevation landscape, where the Guadalupe Mountains transition into a complex system of deep drainages. The namesake Serpentine Bends winds through the central portion of the map, illustrating the dramatic geological erosion characteristic of the region. A network of backcountry routes, including the Slaughter Canyon Trail and the Rattlesnake Canyon Trail, provides the primary means of navigating the limestone terrain. Isolated water sources like Hess Spring, Lechuguilla Spring, and Lowe Spring are critical markers in this arid environment. The map also documents named canyons such as North Slaughter Canyon and Putman Canyon, which lead toward the high ridges of Guadalupe Ridge, offering a clear picture of the land's natural borders and topographical challenges.