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1934 Map of Mt. Lowe

Name: 1934 Topographic Map of Mt. Lowe
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1934
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1934

About this map

The San Gabriel Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop for this mid-1930s survey, capturing the complex network of mountain resorts and technical infrastructure above Pasadena. This era represents a peak for the region's mountain tourism, centered around the engineering marvel of the Mt Lowe Ry, which winds its way toward the Mt Lowe Tavern and the overlook at Inspiration Point. The landscape is dotted with early 20th-century recreational sites like Switzers Camp and Oakwilde, reflecting the heavy public use of the Angeles National Forest.

Beyond tourism, the map documents the utilitarian and educational development of the canyons. The Los Angeles Schools Forestry Center and various outposts like the Waterman Ranger Station signal active forest management. Industrial and civic interests are also present, from the Dawn Mine tucked in a canyon to the La Vina Sanatorium and Big Tujunga Dam No 1. Physical landmarks such as Josephine Peak and Mt Lowe anchor the high-relief topography of this pre-war Los Angeles County landscape.