2020 Map of Sierra Alta

About this map

Rio Grande waters flow through the northeastern corner of this landscape, managed by the Rio Grande River Levee and a network of irrigation channels including Tonuco Drain and Rincon Drain. The Tonuco Bridge provides a vital crossing point into the fertile Rincon Valley, while the surrounding high desert is defined by a complex system of arroyos and canyons. Water management in this arid environment is evident through numerous named stock tanks such as Hersey Tank, Hackler Tank, and Basin Tank. Significant topographic landmarks like Sierra Alta and Burro Hill rise above the drainage basins of Reed Arroyo and Broad Canyon, illustrating the varied terrain of Doña Ana County. Ranching infrastructure is further noted by Barksdale Rd and several isolated springs like Silo Spring.