2012 Map of Simpson Springs Mountain

About this map

Bourland Ranch and the surrounding high ground of the Big Bend region define this part of Brewster County. This area is characterized by ephemeral water sources and significant topographic rises, notably East Bourland Mtn and West Bourland Mtn. The hydrology of the landscape is dictated by seasonal drainages such as Peña Colorado Cr and Maravillas Cr, which are supported by various groundwater points including Sunshine Springs, Simpson Springs, and Mud Spring. Modern infrastructure is limited to remote corridors like Miravillas Creek Rd and R Road 2730, reflecting a land use still tied to large-scale ranching and the natural limitations of the Chihuahuan Desert environment. These named springs and mountain peaks serve as critical landmarks for navigation in a region where water is the primary driver of human presence.