2018 Map of Castle Peaks

About this map

Barnwell sits at a crossroads of high desert geography where the New York Mountains meet the northern reaches of the Lanfair Valley. This 2018 survey documents a region defined by its protected status, split between the Mojave National Preserve and the Castle Mountains National Monument. The terrain is punctuated by critical water sources including Malpais Springs, Dove Spring, and Bathtub Spring, which have historically dictated travel and survival in this arid landscape. The towering Castle Peaks dominate the northeastern skyline, while the drainage of Willow Wash marks the low-lying basins. Remote access routes like Hart Mine Rd and New York Mountain Rd trace the paths of earlier mining and ranching efforts that once centered on the small settlement of Barnwell.