Area Description

The Animas Mountains are located in southern Hidalgo County near the border with Mexico. In the south, they are a broad complex of steep ridges that rise dramatically from the desert floor. This southern portion contains the highest point, Animas Peak, at 8,531 feet elevation. On this sky island there is cooler temperatures, higher rainfall, and coniferous forests. The northern extension of the mountains is a rugged narrow range that takes on a more desert-like character with grasslands and juniper dotted mountain slopes. The northern terminus of the range is just a few miles west of the town of Animas. In addition to steep mountain ridges and peaks, the landscape here consists of rolling hills, deep canyons, and gently sloping desert areas. The Continental Divide runs along the spine of these scenic mountains with rainfall on the east side of the range flowing into the Playas Valley while that on the west is directed into the Animas Valley. The fact that both of these valleys are closed drainage basins makes the Continental Divide a rather arbitrary designation in this basin and range landscape.

Ecological Values

The Animas Mountains fit the definition of a 'sky island' and a large diversity habitats are found here. Dense coniferous forests are found at the highest elevations; pinyon, juniper and Madrean oak woodlands on mid-elevation mountain slopes and canyons; and mixed desert shrubs and grasslands in the lower elevations. There are also riparian zones in some of the major canyons with cottonwoods and sycamores growing along perennial watercourses and springs. Special-status plant species that might be found in the area include desert night-blooming cereus, various pincushion cacti, and fishhook barrel cactus.

The Animas Mountains are a natural corridor for the movement of animals between Mexico and the Sky Island Region in the United States. Biotic influences from the Chihuahuan Desert, the Rocky Mountains, the Sierra Madre, and the Sonoran Desert give the southern part of the range a greater number of mammals than any National Park or Wildlife Refuge in the United States and the greatest concentration of State- or Federally-listed endangered species in New Mexico. There are approximately 130 species of birds, 60 species of mammals, and 40 species of reptiles that have been recorded in the Animas Mountains. Species include Cous' whitetail deer, pronghorn, javelina, coatimundi, bear, mountain lion, Arizona shrew, southern pocket gopher, southern yellow bat, golden eagle, zone-tailed hawk, Mexican wild turkey, Montezuma quail, thick-billed kingbird, white-eared hummingbird, Sonoran mud turtle, green rat snake, and lowland leopard frog. The area also provides ideal habitat for the Federally-endangered Mexican wolf, jaguar, and Aplomado falcon.

Special Management Areas

The Cowboy Rim unit encompasses the Cowboy Spring Wilderness Study Area (WSA) and the Cowboy Spring Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC). The ACEC was designated by BLM specifically for its unparalleled biological diversity.

Scenic and Recreational Qualities

Due in part to their ruggedness and remote location, the inventory units in the Animas Mountains maintain their natural character and beauty. The recreational values here are exceptional as well, including opportunities for hiking, backpacking, wildlife viewing, horseback riding, hunting, and photography.

Cultural Values

Three prehistoric sites have been identified in the Cowboy Spring WSA. Little is known about these unique high altitude Mogollon sites and thus could provide an important educational opportunity.

Access Information

Animas Mountains North is reached from the Animas exit #11 on I-10. Travel south on Highway 338 from the interstate and continue past the town of Animas for about 5 miles to the intersection of CR C045 on the east. Turn left here and drive east a little over 2 miles to the unit, which is on the north side of the road. There is no public access to the Ash Creek or Cowboy Rim units.

The USGS 7.5 minute maps that cover this complex (from north to south) include Animas, Beacon Hill, Whitmire Pass, Gillespie Mountain, Walnut Wells NE, Center Peak, Horse Mountain, San Luis Pass, and Hilo Peak.