1959 Map of Clark Lake

About this map

Coyote Mountain dominates the northwestern portion of this San Diego County survey, casting a literal and figurative shadow over the developing Clark Valley. The mid-century character of Borrego Springs is visible in its geometric expansion, centered on the distinctive Christmas Circle and surrounded by a burgeoning grid of roads like Di Giorgio Road and Stirrup Road. This era marks a transition from a remote desert outpost to a structured community, evidenced by the presence of the Borrego School and the Borrego Valley Airport. Along the base of the mountains, the Pegleg Smith Historical Marker denotes the regional folklore of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, while numerous wells and the ephemeral Clark Lake illustrate the constant search for water in the arid landscape. A network of unimproved ways, including the Rockhouse Truck Trail and various Jeep Trails, provides a look at the early recreational and utility access through the desert floor.