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2021 Map of Painted Gorge

Name: 2021 Topographic Map of Painted Gorge
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2021
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2021

About this map

Painted Gorge carves through the eastern edge of the Coyote Mountains, serving as a focal point for this arid landscape in southwestern Imperial County. The map documents a rugged desert terrain where the Yuha Desert meets the rising slopes of the mountains, defined by a network of ephemeral drainage systems including Coyote Wash and Palm Canyon Wash.

Tracing the historical path of the Old Overland Stage Rte across the northern and eastern sections of the quadrangle reveals the enduring importance of this corridor for desert transit. The presence of modern markers like Painted Gorge Rd and Munson Trl highlights how contemporary access relies on these established routes. Above the lowlands, the flat expanse of West Mesa contrasts with the complex topographical contours of the gorge, illustrating the geological transition from high plateau to deep desert wash.