2015 Map of Obsidian Butte

About this map

Obsidian Butte stands as a prominent geological landmark at the southeastern edge of the Salton Sea, where the desert terrain transitions into the heavily irrigated agricultural lands of the Imperial Valley. The landscape is defined by an intricate network of water management features, including the Vail Seven Drain, Vail Lateral Six, and Vail Cut Off Drain, which are essential to the region's reclaimed desert farming. These engineered waterways follow the grid of the Public Land Survey System, illustrating how the environment has been reshaped for industrial-scale cultivation. A series of rural thoroughfares, such as Lack Rd and Crummer Rd, provide access to this corner of Imperial County, connecting the volcanic butte to the surrounding fields. The map captures the meeting point of geothermal features and the vital irrigation infrastructure that sustains the valley south of the sea.