2012 Map of White Hills

About this map

The high desert landscape of Brewster County is defined here by extensive mesa formations and deeply cut canyons. Jack Eden Mesa and Eastwood Mesa dominate the southern half of the quadrangle, while the namesake White Hills rise to the north. Water is a critical and sparse resource in this environment, marked by isolated sites like Cottonwood Spring, Little Corazones Spring, and Double Tanks. This 2012 survey illustrates the modern ranching and land use patterns of the Big Bend region, centered on the Saucier Ranch and a network of private and service roads. Traces of historical movement and modern utility are visible in the grid-like system south of Jack Eden Mesa, where Terlingua Ranch Rd and Snake Rd provide access through the arid terrain. The map also documents drainage systems through Burnt Willow Canyon and the closely paired Cartwright Canyon and Pipeline Canyon.