1996 Map of Tortugas Mountain

About this map

Las Cruces dominates the western edge of this desert landscape, where urban development meets the significant relief of Tortugas Mountain. The area is defined by its complex water management system, featuring the Alameda Dam, North Fork Dam, and South Fork Dam which control the ephemeral flows of the Alameda Arroyo and Tortugas Arroyo. To the east, the terrain rises sharply into the Organ Mountains Recreation Area, a region marked by steep canyons and mining history, including the Standard Mine. The presence of the New Mexico State Univ campus and several residential developments like the Colony and Mesilla Civil Colony highlights the late 20th-century growth of this university city. Infrastructure such as the Las Cruces Lateral and roads like Dripping Springs Road provide a clear view of how the city integrated with the surrounding arid topography.