2012 Map of Ford Dry Lake

About this map

Ford Dry Lake dominates the southern landscape of this Riverside County desert expanse, appearing as a sprawling alkali basin within the Colorado Desert. This 2012 survey reveals the basin's drainage patterns, where ephemeral washes descend from the surrounding mountains and dissipate into the flat lake bed. The map documents the vital infrastructure of Interstate 10 as it cuts across the southwestern corner, serving as the primary transportation artery through this arid region. The lack of permanent settlements or structures underscores the area's character as a transition zone between mountain ranges and dry lake beds, where the topography is defined by natural drainage networks and the harsh environment of the desert floor.