1958 Map of Orocopia Canyon

About this map

The Orocopia Mountains dominate this 1950s landscape, where the sharp transition from high peaks to the low desert floor is marked by the Sea Level contour line. To the south, human engineering is evident in the Coachella Canal, which is supported by an extensive system of Levee and Dike structures, alongside multiple siphons. A rare desert water source, Dos Palmas Spring, sits near the small settlement of Graves, providing a stark contrast to the surrounding arid terrain. The southeastern corner of the map is defined by the Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range, signaling the mid-century military presence in this part of Riverside County. Geologists and local historians can trace the deep incision of Orocopia Canyon as it winds toward the canal zone, passing near a mountain Tunnel and the high point at VABM 3815 Orocopia.