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2023 Map of Sierra Alta

Name: 2023 Topographic Map of Sierra Alta
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2023
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2023

About this map

The Rio Grande cuts through the northeastern corner of this arid landscape, nourishing the narrow Hatch Valley and supporting a network of agricultural infrastructure including the Rincon Drain and Tonuco Drain. Away from the river, the terrain rises into the stark peaks of Sierra Alta and the Cedar Hills, characterized by a complex system of dry washes such as Bignell Arroyo and Hersey Arroyo.

This high-desert environment is dotted with vital water catchment features like Hersey Tank and Brewster Tank, which served as critical resources for ranching operations in a region defined by its rugged topography. Transportation across these desolate stretches relies on historic routes like Kit Carson Rd and Barksdale Rd, which navigate the gaps between landmarks like Twin Hills and Horse Canyon. The map reveals the intricate balance between the fertile river corridor and the expansive upland wilderness of southern New Mexico.