1987 Map of Horse Thief Canyon

About this map

The Sylvania Mts dominate the northern skyline of this high desert terrain, where the topography drops dramatically toward the expansive floor of Eureka Valley. This transition between mountain and basin is defined by deep drainages and alluvial fans, most notably where Horse Thief Canyon and Willow Creek carve through the arid slopes. Evidence of small-scale mineral exploration is recorded at a remote Prospect and a Borrow Pit, hinting at the region's history of prospecting during the late 20th century. Along the eastern edge, the Last Chance Range forms a formidable boundary, while the seasonal flow of Cucomungo Canyon marks the rugged eastern canyons. The map serves as a detailed record of this uninhabited California landscape, capturing the precise contours and watercourses of Inyo County before the era of modern digital mapping.