1942 Map of Caliente Mtn

About this map

Soda Lake dominates the northern alkali basin of this interior California landscape, serving as a stark focal point for the Carrizo Plain. Surrounding this terminal lake, a network of historic cattle operations such as Goodwin Ranch and Wellman Ranch suggests the area's mid-century reliance on seasonal grazing and groundwater. The topography transitions sharply into the Caliente Range, where steep canyons like Saltos Canyon and Morales Canyon drop toward the Cuyama River valley. This 1942 survey, later reprinted for civil use, documents a frontier-like geography where life centered on scattered water sources like Five Willow Spring and Turkey Camp Well. The southern reaches are defined by the Los Padres National Forest boundary and the high peak of Caliente Mtn, while the ancient geological landmark of Painted Rock stands as a notable cultural and navigational feature on the plain.