2010 Map of Sycamore Canyon

About this map

Devils River dominates this arid landscape of the Edwards Plateau, carving a deep path as it flows south toward the Rio Grande. In this 2010 survey of Val Verde County, the terrain is defined by a series of significant drainage systems, including the namesake Sycamore Canyon and the winding reaches of Wallace Canyon to the west. These canyons and the high ground between them represent the cattle and goat ranching traditions of West Texas, anchored by established holdings such as Jarrett Ranch and Hudspeth River Ranch. The map shows a region where human activity is largely shaped by the dramatic topography and the presence of water in an otherwise dry environment. Tracing the courses of Trail Canyon and Brushy Draw reveals the complex network of ephemeral waterways that feed the river during seasonal rains, illustrating the isolated nature of this borderlands ranch country.