1959 Map of Borrego

About this map

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park encompasses the majority of this desert landscape, where the shifting sands of Borrego Sink meet the high ridges of the Vallecito Mountains. This mid-century survey documents a transition from the historic western trails to modern recreation, centered around the development of Borrego Springs and the Ensign Ranch Airstrip. Traces of the mid-19th century remain visible through the Old Overland Stage Route and the San Felipe-Butterfield Stage Station Historical Marker in the Valle De San Felipe. The map captures a reliable network of desert water sources essential for early travel, from Maidenhair Falls in Hellhole Canyon to Angelina Spring. Landmarks like Chimney Rock Ranch and the Blair Valley Ranger Sta highlight the human presence amidst the peaks of Whale Peak and Granite Mtn.