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1986 Map of Lion Head Mtn

Name: 1986 Topographic Map of Lion Head Mtn
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1987
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1987

About this map

Chocolate Mountain dominates this desert landscape within Imperial County, defined largely by the restricted boundaries of the Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range. The terrain is characterized by complex desert washes and steep elevations, with Lion Head Mtn serving as a prominent landmark. Settlement is nearly non-existent, represented primarily by the isolated location of Beal Well, a critical water point in this arid environment.

Infrastructure is limited to primitive routes such as the Blythe Niland Road and the Sylvia Line, which traverse the open flats and rocky passes. Evidence of mineral exploration appears in the form of scattered Prospects, suggesting the area's history of small-scale mining efforts typical of the California desert. The map traces the natural drainage patterns through Iris Wash and the transition through Salvation Pass, providing a detailed look at a region shaped by both military use and severe topographical constraints.