1984 Map of Castle Peaks

About this map

The settlement of Barnwell serves as a focal point in this high-desert landscape, positioned near the intersection of the New York Mountains and the northern reaches of Lanfair Valley. This 1980s-era documentation highlights the transition from active extraction to a protected landscape within the East Mojave National Scenic Area. Evidence of earlier industry is clear through the Old Railroad Grade and numerous unnamed extraction points labeled as Prospect Shaft, Shafts, and a Borrow Pit. Water remains a critical and named resource in this arid environment, with several reliable points such as Willow Spring, Bathtub Spring, and Malpais Springs scattered across the terrain. The northern boundary is dominated by the dramatic topography of Castle Peaks, while the lowlands are defined by drainage systems like Willow Wash.