1982 Map of Burro Canyon

About this map

The Argus Range and Indian Wells Valley define this Cold War-era landscape, dominated by the expansive operations of the China Lake Naval Weapons Center. The map reveals a transition from traditional desert resource extraction to sophisticated military testing during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Evidence of earlier human activity is preserved at the Paxton Ranch (Site) and scattered mining operations such as the Star of the West Mine and Sterling Queen Mine. These are juxtaposed against modern installations including the Burro Canyon Test Facility, an Observation Tower, and a Tracking Station. The terrain is characterized by complex drainage systems like Wilson Canyon and Sweetwater Wash, leading toward the southern terminus at China Lake. Notable landmarks like Lone Butte and several phototheodolite stations highlight the specialized surveying and tracking activities central to this high-desert facility.