2018 Map of Coxcomb Mountains

About this map

Joshua Tree National Park encompasses a significant portion of this desert landscape, where the high peaks of the Coxcomb Mountains meet the broad expanse of the Chuckwalla Valley. This 2018 survey documents critical water infrastructure in the Mojave Desert, most notably the path of the Colorado River Aqueduct as it traverses the eastern edge of the mountains. A major engineering feat is represented here by the Coxcomb Tunnel, which carries the aqueduct through the subterranean rock of the range. The map also records the primitive route of Coxcomb Monument Rd, illustrating the limited vehicular access provided to these protected lands and the surrounding public domain. The interplay of steep topographic relief and the engineered water systems highlights the challenges of resource management in this arid Riverside County corridor.