2015 Map of Bighorn Canyon

About this map

Johnson Valley serves as a primary point of reference in this arid region where the Mojave Desert meets the high elevations of the Bighorn Mountains and San Bernardino Mountains. The settlement pattern in the northern half of the area is defined by a rigid grid of residential roads, including Cholla Rd and Ocotillo Rd, which contrast sharply with the steep, unpopulated terrain to the south. Bighorn Canyon cuts through the center of the landscape, acting as a natural transition between the valley floor and the mountains. Aviation and water resources are vital markers here, with the Valley Vista Airport supporting local transit and Saddlerock Spring providing a rare water source in the southern heights. This topographic record illustrates the reach of rural development into the California desert, showing how roads like Sizer Canyon Rd navigate the rugged slopes.