1963 Map of Hexie Mountains

About this map

Joshua Tree National Monument encompasses the heart of this California desert landscape, where the jagged ranges of the Hexie Mountains and Pinto Mountains converge. The area is defined by a historical mining economy, with dozens of claims such as the Paymaster Mine, Golden Bell Mine, and Esperado Mine scattered along the mountain flanks. These operations relied on scarce water sources like Pinkham Spring and the Ruby Lee Well to survive the arid environment. A network of primitive transit routes, including the Old Black Eagle Mine Rd and various Jeep Trails, connect the high peaks of Monument Mtn to the broad expanse of the Pinto Basin. This mid-century survey also notes early recreational developments, such as the Cholla Garden Nature Trail, marking the transition from industrial extraction to conservation and tourism.