1956 Map of Kern Peak

About this map

The Kern River carves a deep path through the heart of the southern Sierra Nevada, defining a landscape of high alpine plateaus and isolated patrol outposts. This mid-century survey documents the intersection of Sequoia National Park and Inyo National Forest, where the Great Western Divide meets the Toowah Range. The map traces the High Sierra Trail as it traverses the Chagoopa Plateau, passing Sky Parlor Meadow and the dramatic Chagoopa Falls. Settlement is sparse, limited to administrative and seasonal sites like the Kern Canyon Ranger Sta, Rock Creek Patrol Cabin, and the Tunnel Air Camp. Evidence of the region's volcanic past is visible in the east, where labels for Lava flows and the Volcano Meadow appear near the South Fork Kern River. The topography reveals complex glacial and riverine features, from the Window Cliffs to the unique Natural Bridge, illustrating a backcountry accessible only by trail during the 1950s.