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1982 Map of Mountain Springs Canyon

Name: 1982 Topographic Map of Mountain Springs Canyon
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1983
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1983

About this map

The China Lake Naval Weapons Center dominates this high-desert landscape in the Argus Range, where military infrastructure intersects with ancient archaeological sites. This 1982 provisional survey documents a transition between the northern Wild Horse Mesa and the winding depth of Mountain Springs Canyon. The presence of Petroglyphs and the Little Petroglyphs Picnic Area highlights the area's deep history, while modern specialized mapping needs are evidenced by the Photo Theodolite Station.

Mining history is preserved along the eastern slopes through the Mammoth Mine and Wild Rose Mine. These sites, tucked into the rugged terrain leading toward Etcharren Valley, reflect the region's enduring draw for mineral exploration. The map also traces vital water sources like Mountain Spring and Wilson Canyon, which defined movement through this arid territory long before it became a secured naval research facility.