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1969 Map of Joaquin Rocks

Name: 1969 Topographic Map of Joaquin Rocks
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1973
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1973

About this map

Joaquin Ridge and the jagged formations of Joaquin Rocks dominate this interior Fresno County landscape as it was documented in the late 1960s. This survey reveals a remote high-desert environment defined by complex geology and ephemeral water sources. Evidence of the region’s mineral and resource exploration is scattered throughout the canyons, including Oil Canyon near Anticline Ridge and several prospects in the northern heights of the Big Blue Hills.

Water management is the primary sign of human activity here, with a network of remote springs and infrastructure such as Double Trough Spring, Rattlesnake Spring, and Homestead Spring. The topography is crisscrossed by an intricate system of jeep trails and pack trails that navigate the steep terrain between Black Mtn and Donut Rock, providing essential access to isolated landmarks like The Clearing and various remote water tanks.