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2012 Map of Needles NW

Name: 2012 Topographic Map of Needles NW
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2012
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2012

About this map

The Colorado River forms the eastern boundary of this desert landscape, dividing California from Arizona in a reach characterized by shifting channels and floodplains. Just north of the growing town of Needles, the terrain transitions from the low-lying Piute Valley to the higher elevations where Red Spring provides a rare water source in the arid expanse. The transportation network is a central theme of the area, featuring the historic path of the National Old Trails HWY as it cuts through the southern portion of the sheet near the small settlement of Java.

Land use is largely defined by the river and local ranching, with Soto Ranch and Ross Ranch situated along the terrace above the Colorado. To the south, the Walters Ranch Landing Field indicates the modern utility of these open flats. Drainage patterns are dominated by the winding course of the Piute Wash, which carries seasonal runoff from the valley toward the river, while a grid of local roads like Washing Machine Rd and Mohave Valley Dr serves the outskirts of the settlement area.