2012 Map of Cottonwood Spring

About this map

Cottonwood Spring and its surrounding desert landscape are defined by vital water sources and the infrastructure of the American Southwest. The 2012 survey illustrates a topography of high peaks and low washes, including the prominent Mastedon Peak and the geological formation of Buried Mountain within Shavers Valley. Human intervention in this arid environment is most notable through the presence of the Colorado River Aqueduct, which bisects the terrain. Local travel and recreation are concentrated around the Cottonwood Campground and the access provided by Cottonwood Spring Rd, Pinto Rd, and Box Canyon Rd. To the east, smaller natural refuges like the Lost Palms Oasis and Victory Palms suggest the specialized ecology of the region, while the Cottonwood Pass and Cottonwood Canyon provide natural corridors through the varied elevation of the Riverside County desert.