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1955 Map of Big Maria Mts SE

Name: 1955 Topographic Map of Big Maria Mts SE
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1971
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1971

About this map

The Colorado River defines the landscape on this survey, carving a path between the steep Big Maria Mountains to the west and the expansive Colorado River Indian Reservation to the east. This 1955 mapping, with 1970 revisions, documents a riverside economy built on recreation and ranching during the mid-century era. Riverside sites like River Bend Lodge, Hankers Camp, and Thompsons Camp line the California bank, while the Blythe Boat Club serves the local boating community.

A notable archaeological highlight is the inclusion of the Giant Indian Intaglios, massive geoglyphs situated on the desert floor overlooking the river valley. The map also records the intricate braids and islands of the river, including Hall Island and Horse Island, alongside industrial evidence such as a Quarry and various Prospect locations tucked into the mountain canyons. Transport is limited primarily to a Jeep Trail winding through the alluvial fans at the base of the range.