Loading map...

2015 Map of Earthquake Valley

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

USGS Topo · Published 2015

About this map

The Great Southern Overland Rte of 1849 cuts a long diagonal through this high-desert landscape, following the floor of Earthquake Valley and Mason Valley. This historic transit corridor is marked by a concentration of evocative trail names near Scissors Crossing, including the Stage Coach Trl, Wells Fargo Trl, and Buckboard Trl. The intersection of these routes near Hunt's Sky Ranch illustrates how mid-19th-century pioneer paths became the foundation for modern regional connectivity.

Steep ridges like Granite Mtn and Grapevine Mtn hem in the valley basins, while the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail winds through the western heights. Significant topographical transitions are noted at Foot and Walker Pass and Box Canyon, where the Vallecito Wash drains toward the southeast. The map also identifies local landmarks such as Ghost Mtn and the North Pinyon Mountains, providing a detailed view of the terrain that challenged early travelers on the southern overland route.