Loading map...

2018 Map of Collins Valley

Name: 2018 Topographic Map of Collins Valley
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2018
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2018

About this map

The high desert and mountain landscapes of San Diego and Riverside counties converge at Collins Valley, a significant topographical basin dominated by the drainage of Coyote Creek. This 2018 survey detail shows a complex network of canyons and ridges, including Salvador Canyon and South Fork Salvador Canyon, which feed into the valley floor. The area is defined by its arid hydrology, featuring seasonal watercourses like White Wash and Dry Wash, along with vital desert water sources such as Cottonwood Spring and Hidden Spring.

Settlement patterns in this demanding environment are concentrated around reliable water, as seen at Middle Willows, Lower Willows, and Yucca Valley. Connectivity through the difficult terrain is maintained by the Coyote Canyon Trail and Hidden Springs Trail, reflecting both modern recreation and the older routes used to navigate the Santa Rosa Mountains. Large portions of the northern section fall within the San Bernardino National Forest, preserving the wild character of Jackass Flat and Buck Ridge.