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1959 Map of Borrego

Name: 1959 Topographic Map of Borrego
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1976
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1976

About this map

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park dominates this mid-century landscape, revealing a complex network of canyons and high desert ridges. The map emphasizes the historical significance of the Old Overland Stage Route as it cuts through Earthquake Valley and Vallecito Valley, passing the San Felipe-Butterfield Stage Station Historical Marker at Scissors Crossing. This corridor was vital for southern transcontinental travel, following the natural breaks in the Pinyon Mountains and Chuckwalla Mountains.

Around the growing settlement of Borrego Springs, the map detail captures local landmarks like Desert Lodge and Tamarisk Grove Campground. The terrain is marked by numerous natural springs and falls, such as Maidenhair Falls and Bubbling Spring, which supported early ranching efforts like Chimney Rock Ranch. Cultural sites are also documented, including the Split Rock Petroglyphs and other petroglyphs found near Blair Valley Ranger Sta, illustrating the long human history of this arid environment.