2018 Map of Painted Rock

About this map

Painted Rock sits as a landmark feature within this arid reach of San Luis Obispo County, documenting the landscape of the Carrizo Plain and its surrounding geological giants. The tectonic activity of the region is traced by the San Andreas Fault, which cuts through the terrain between the Temblor Range to the east and the Caliente Range to the southwest. This map records the basin of Soda Lake, an ephemeral alkali lake that dominates the western portion of the quadrangle. Roads such as Soda Lake Rd and Elkhorn Rd provide the primary access through the Elkhorn Plain and toward the Panorama Hills. This survey is notable for its depiction of the stark drainage patterns and land divisions across the plain, illustrating how the natural topography dictates the sparse infrastructure of this unique California interior valley.