2023 Map of Malapai Hill

About this map

Joshua Tree National Park spans the high desert landscape of this 2023 survey, centered on the volcanic landmark of Malapai Hill. The area represents a crossroads of desert geography, where the Hexie Mountains and the Little San Bernardino Mountains frame the arid basins of Queen Valley and Pleasant Valley. A network of historic paths and modern recreational routes, including the California Riding And Hiking Trl and the Hexahedron Mine Trl, traces the movement of early prospectors and travelers through the Mojave Desert. Water sources are critical identifiers in this environment, marked by sites such as White Tank, Twin Tanks, and the seasonal drainage of Fried Liver Wash. These features, along with the distinctive formations at Jumbo Rocks and Arch Rock, provide essential context for understanding the transition from mining-era exploration to modern conservation.