1954 Map of Big Maria Mts. NE

About this map

The Colorado River snakes along the California and Arizona border in this mid-century survey, defining the eastern edge of the Colorado River Indian Reservation. The terrain is dominated by the sharp elevations of the Riverside Mountains and the Big Maria Mountains, which rise steeply from the desert floor. Landmark features like Quien Sabe Point provide clear navigational markers amidst a network of desert drainages including Big Wash and Slaughter Tree Wash. Human presence is concentrated near the water's edge at Water Wheel Camp and Hall Island. This era of mapping captured the remote character of the region before significant modern development, with the Old Blythe-Vidal Road serving as the primary overland artery through the arid landscape.