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1956 Map of Mescal Creek

Name: 1956 Topographic Map of Mescal Creek
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1961
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1961

About this map

The high desert meets the northern slopes of the San Gabriel Mountains in this mid-century survey of the California landscape. Running through the heart of the terrain, the Antelope Highway and Pearblossom Highway serve as the primary conduits for travel between the burgeoning desert outposts. The map reveals a dense concentration of mountain retreats and organizational camps within the Angeles National Forest, including Camp Teresita Pines, Camp Junipero Serra, and the Centinela Valley Camp.

Scientific and recreational interests converge near the summit of Table Mountain, where the Smithsonian Observatory is situated above the extensive network of campgrounds at Big Pines. Water management is evident through numerous reservoirs and tanks supporting remote settlements like Desert Springs and Hagenbaugh Ranch. The rugged topography is defined by deep incisions such as Mescal Canyon and Puzzle Canyon, which drain north toward the desert floor.