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2015 Map of Cottonwood Basin

Name: 2015 Topographic Map of Cottonwood Basin
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2015
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2015

About this map

Joshua Tree National Park encompasses a significant portion of this high desert terrain, where the Little San Bernardino Mountains meet the Cottonwood Mountains. The landscape is defined by its arid drainage systems, notably Pinkham Wash and the rugged topography of Pinkham Canyon. Modern infrastructure cuts through this wilderness, anchored by the tiny settlement of Cactus City and the vital corridor of the Colorado River Aqueduct.

Engineering efforts to navigate the desert are evident in the Mecca Pass Tunnels and the Cottonwood Tunnel, which facilitate the movement of water across the basin. In the southern reaches, the Mecca Hills and Painted Canyon showcase the area's complex geology. For local historians and researchers, the map details established routes such as Box Canyon Rd and the Pinkham Canyon Trl, alongside the long-stretching Powerline Rd that follows the interstate corridor.