Flat Top (Cornudas Mountains)

The Cornudas Mountains (Part 1):

The Cornudas Mountains are situated in the northern region of the Trans-Pecos Magmatic Province and represents the eastern most part of the Basin and Range province in southern New Mexico. The Trans-Pecos Magmatic Province was formed by a variety of geological events that began approximately 48 million years ago when an oceanic plate began subducting and compressing against the continental plate. As a result, magma accumulated and rose towards the surface resulting in numerous intrusions and volcanic events. About 30 millions years ago, the Laramide plate compression ceased and gradually the continental plate began to extend resulting in additional volcanic activity.

The Cornudas Mountains are comprised of 10 intrusive bodies (one of which is unnamed) of predominantly alkalic igneous rock located on the Otero-Diablo Platform above the western edge of the Pennsylvanian Pedernal Uplift. The range represents the eastern limit of the alkalic-igneous rock before it transitions to calc-alkaline rock such as those seen in intrusive features in the Hueco Mountains to the west. The range is approximately +30 million years in age (ages of intrusive bodies vary). Erosion has helped expose these unique intrusions, and was likely a contributing factor to the range's name which roughly translates to "horned".

Flat Top is an exposed sill that plateaus and slightly dips to the west. A sill is a body of igneous rock that intrudes parallel (between) preexisting rock layers. It is comprised mainly of phonolite which is underlain by sedimentary rock from the San Andres Formation (mainly dolomite and dolomitic limestone). Only minor faulting occurs in proximity to Flat Top. Its highest point is on the eastern most section of this peak.

From El Paso:

- TX-375 to US-62 (Montana Ave)
- Turn left on Hueco Ranch Rd (headed north)
- Hueco Ranch Rd becomes Loma Linda Rd
- Loma Linda becomes F002 (as you cross into New Mexico)
- F002 becomes F001 and then turns right (east) for 15 miles
- Right on F031 (southeast)
- Left on F007 (east) just past JT Tank
- The road ends at the west side of Flat Top. If you choose to dismount here, ensure you are parked an appropriate distance from any rural water sources (+300 feet).

Once dismounted, I walked to the base of Flat Top. Flat Top was a pretty easy ascent. Its west slope is very gradual and the diameter on top is nearly a mile across running East to West. I had to traverse the entire plateau to get to the highest point on its eastern side. Along the way I found the skull of a Barbary Sheep. I took it with me. The flowers were still in full bloom so it added to the pleasant visuals.

I pushed slightly north to check out the ledge which is where I sas Cornudas Mountain for the first time. A fascinating feature to say the least! I walked along the parameter of the edge and eventually made my way toward the highest section.

Flat Top's summit gives you an excellent perspective of Cornudas Mountain to the northeast, Wind Mountain to the East, San Antonio Mountain and Deer Mountain just South, and Alamo Mountain to its West (and more). I found a summit registry on top of a flat rock. I also decided to leave my skull there to for others to enjoy.

The way back down was uneventful, but enjoyable. I got back to the vehicle without any issues, and was excited to explore my first geological feature in the Cornudas. It is also worth mentioning that cattle do roam freely in the area so be mindful when driving. I also drove alongside two Pronghorn as they ran parallel with the road. This would mark the second time I've seen them out there. The first was in a large herd. They too roam freely and are incredibly fast, so stay observant on the road.

Overall, a fun experience. This range not only appears feral, but feels like it is! As always respect the land and stay safe!

Soundtrack:

"Remote (Flat Top intro)" by Alexander F. O'Connor

"Remote (Flat Top A)" by Alexander F. O'Connor

"Remote (Flat Top B)" by Alexander F. O'Connor

"Remote (Flat Top C)" by Alexander F. O'Connor

"Remote (Flat Top Summit)" by Alexander F. O'Connor

"Remote (Flat Top D)" by Alexander F. O'Connor

"Remote (Flat Top credits)" by Alexander F. O'Connor

Music composed, performed, and recorded on a Yamaha Clavinova CVP 701 Digital Piano.

Video produced using Movie Maker (Version 2012) by Microsoft Corporation.

References cited:

Nutt, C.J, O'Neill, J.M., Kleinkopf, M.D., Klein, D.P., Miller, W.R., Rodriguez, B.D., and McLemore, V.T., 1997, Geology and mineral resources of the Cornudas Mountains, New Mexico: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 97-282, 46 p.

Thank you for watching! :)

@pauloconnor6331 hace 5 meses

Fantastic videos and original music. Thanks for taking us along on your hikes and showing the scenery that many of us may not be able to enjoy in person, though I'm going to try making it out to Flat Top in the near future. Do you see many snakes on your journeys?