1958 Map of Last Chance Range

About this map

The high-desert expanse of the Last Chance Range dominates this late-1950s survey, revealing a landscape defined by extreme topography and scarce water sources. This reach of the Inyo County and Esmeralda County border includes the eastern edge of Eureka Valley with its prominent Sand Dunes and the northern reaches of Death Valley National Monument. Primitive transportation routes, such as South Eureka Road and various unnamed jeep trails, provide the only access through steep terrain like Hanging Rock Canyon. Local geography is marked by isolated landmarks and summits, including a prominent Crater and survey stations like Sandy. Evidence of human activity is limited to mineral Prospects and vital water points like Little Sand Spring and Sand Spr, which were essential for survival in this arid corridor where Oriental Wash and Death Valley Wash cut through the alluvial fans.