Join Free

Old Maps of China Lake, Ridgecrest for Metal Detecting

Plan your next treasure hunt with 10 historic maps of China Lake. Find old homesites, ghost towns, trails, and gathering spots that may be lost to time — perfect for identifying promising metal detecting locations.

  • Locate forgotten sites: Uncover places like long-lost settlements, abandoned rail lines, or gathering spots.
  • Plan better hunts: Use map overlays combined with LiDAR or satellite views to narrow in on historically rich areas.
  • Made for detectorists: Thousands of hobbyists use these maps to discover relics, coins, and hidden history.

Use these historic maps to boost your research and find new opportunities beneath the surface of China Lake.

China Lake, Ridgecrest maps

(10)
  1. 1915 Map of Searles Lake
    1915 Map of Searles Lake
    1915 Searles Lake
    1915 Print · USGS
    The Mojave Desert at the height of its early mining boom features a landscape defined by the Trona RR and the thriving gold camps of the Rand Mountains. Genealogists and historians can trace the foundations of Randsburg, the soda works at Trona, and remote outposts like Muerto Leliter PO and Garlock.
    6 unique versions available
  4. 1947 Map of Trona, 1948 Print
    1947 Map of Trona, 1948 Print
    1947 Trona
    1948 Print · USGS
    The Mojave Desert and Southern Sierra foothills come alive in the late 1940s, showing the industrial nodes of the Argus Range and the burgeoning Camp Irwin. Trace the legacy of desert mining and railroading through Trona, the Ashford Mill, and the historic districts of Randsburg and Garlock.
  7. 1948 Map of Trona
    1948 Map of Trona
    1948 Trona
    1948 Print · USGS
    The Mojave Desert and Death Valley frontier appear here during a mid-century era of military expansion and industrial mining. Trace the remnants of the Old Spanish Trail or locate isolated landmarks like Ashford Mill and the mining hub of Randsburg.
  10. 1953 Map of Ridgecrest, 1955 Print
    1953 Map of Ridgecrest, 1955 Print
    1953 Ridgecrest
    1955 Print · USGS
    The high desert of Kern County was transforming in the mid-1950s as military and mining interests converged. Genealogists and historians can trace early neighborhood schools like Vieweg Sch or locate remote mining operations including the Goldbug Mine and St Elmo Mines.
    4 unique versions available
  13. 1953 Map of Trona, 1956 Print
    1953 Map of Trona, 1956 Print
    1953 Trona
    1956 Print · USGS
    The high desert of San Bernardino and Inyo counties during the early Cold War reveals a landscape of mineral industry and military expansion. You can trace the Old Spanish Trail, locate the Trona potash works, and find remote outposts like Ashford Mill.
  16. 1957 Map of Trona, 1964 Print
    1957 Map of Trona, 1964 Print
    1957 Trona
    1964 Print · USGS
    The High Desert in the mid-fifties is captured here as a landscape of remote mining outposts and growing military installations. Trace the industrial rail lines to Trona, the mining history of Randsburg, or the isolated expanse of the Naval Ordnance Test Station.
    5 unique versions available
  19. 1960 Map of Trona
    1960 Map of Trona
    1960 Trona
    1960 Print · USGS
    The Mojave Desert at mid-century reveals a landscape of massive military installations and industrial mineral works. Researchers can trace the heritage of mining and ranching at Ashford Mill, Randsburg, and Paxton Ranch while following the Old Spanish Trail.
    2 unique versions available
  22. 1973 Map of Ridgecrest North, 1976 Print
    1973 Map of Ridgecrest North, 1976 Print
    1973 Ridgecrest North
    1976 Print · USGS
    Ridgecrest and the surrounding high desert are captured in the early seventies, showcasing a period of rapid military and residential growth. Genealogists and local historians can trace family locations near Burroughs High Sch or examine the NAF China Lake (Armitage Field) facility.
  25. 1993 Map of Ridgecrest
    1993 Map of Ridgecrest
    1993 Ridgecrest
    1993 Print · USGS
    The northern Mojave Desert comes into focus in the 1990s as a complex landscape of military research and industrial salt harvesting. Researchers can trace the extensive Trona Railway and Southern Pacific lines through desert outposts like Inyokern and Little Lake.
    2 unique versions available
  28. 2021 Map of Ridgecrest North, 2021 Print
    2021 Map of Ridgecrest North, 2021 Print
    2021 Ridgecrest North
    2021 Print · USGS
    The northern reaches of the Indian Wells Valley are captured here in the early 2020s, where desert military installations meet growing residential grids. Trace the perimeter of the China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station and the suburban streets of Ridgecrest along Las Flores Ave.
End of results
Showing maps 1-10 of 10

Top cities near China Lake

Frequently asked questions

  • What are the different types of historical maps available for China Lake?
  • What is the oldest map of China Lake?
  • Where can I purchase historical maps of China Lake for my home or office?
  • Where can I download high-res historical maps of China Lake?
  • Are there historical topographic maps available for China Lake?
  • Is there historical aerial imagery available for China Lake?
  • Where are historical maps of China Lake sourced from?