1957 Map of Painted Gorge

About this map

The Coyote Mountains dominate this 1950s landscape, where the shifting sands of the Yuha Desert and the West Mesa meet. This terrain is defined by its transit history and military utility, containing the historic Overland Stage Route and a section of the San Diego and Arizona Eastern railroad. The inclusion of the Carrizo Aerial Gunnery Range and a Naval Reservation highlights the region's importance for mid-century defense operations. To the northwest, the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park preserves the natural features of the area, including the striking Painted Gorge. Seasonal hydrology is marked by the broad Coyote Wash and Palm Canyon Wash, while a Mining Railroad and various gravel pits suggest the industrial extraction of local minerals.