2010 Map of Three Rivers SW

About this map

The Malpais dominates the northwestern portion of this region, representing a stark volcanic landscape of basalt flows in the Tularosa Basin. This 2010 survey by the U.S. Geological Survey details a sparsely settled desert environment where water management is central to the land's utility. Features like Sand Tank illustrate the historical reliance on catchment systems in an arid terrain marked by cattle trails and dirt tracks. The map captures the geometric intersection of modern road classifications against the irregular, ancient borders of the lava fields, providing a clear record of how transit routes navigate the obstacles of the high desert floor.