[4] It lies at the intersection of State Roads 9 and 338, at an elevation of 4,406 feet (1,343 m) approximately 30 miles (48 km) south of the city of Lordsburg, the county seat.

[6][7] Founded circa 1753 by the Spanish,[8] Animas became part of the newly independent country of Mexico in 1821.

[9] Unlike most of New Mexico, Animas was not part of the Mexican Cession after the Mexican–American War ended; it is located in the area sold to the United States with the Gadsden Purchase of 1853.

It is situated just west of the Continental Divide[5] and is approximately 30 miles (48 km) south of Lordsburg, the nearest significant population center.

[4] Animas has a cool semi-arid climate (Köppen BSk) with hot summers and mild winters.