2012 Map of Christmas Canyon

About this map

Searles Valley provides the topographic backdrop for this desert landscape in northwestern San Bernardino County, where dramatic geological formations define the horizon. The northern reaches of the map are anchored by the distinctive spires of The Pinnacles, a prominent series of tufa formations that rise from the ancient lakebed. Moving south, the terrain is marked by the seasonal drainage of Teagle Wash, which cuts through the arid plains toward the geographic feature of Christmas Canyon. The map illustrates a network of desert roads and trails that navigate the shifting elevations between the valley floor and the canyon highlands. This 2012 survey captures the area’s enduring character as a site of significant geological interest, illustrating how natural drainages and ancient mineral deposits have shaped the local geography.