1947 Map of Clark Lake

About this map

The Coyotes Indian Reservation and San Bernardino National Forest dominate this arid landscape on the border of Riverside and San Diego Counties. The map documents a period when deep-desert access relied on historical routes like the De Anza Trail and Rockhouse Trail, connecting isolated water sources such as Santa Caterina Springs and Clark Well. In the lower elevations, Borego Valley shows early ranching development with Rancho De Anza, Brinniger Ranch, and the Borego School serving the local population. To the north, the Santa Rosa Mountains hold evidence of long-term habitation at the Old Santa Rosa Indian Ruins. The center of the sheet is marked by the seasonal Clark Lake and its surrounding Clark Valley, illustrating the complex drainage patterns of canyons like Rockhouse Canyon and Coyote Creek.