2021 Map of Painted Rock

About this map

Soda Lake dominates the arid basin of the Carrizo Plain, an endorheic drainage system where water evaporates to leave behind a vast alkali crust. This environment is framed by the steep rise of the Temblor Range to the northeast and the Caliente Range to the southwest. The landscape is characterized by its stark geology and tectonic activity, as evidenced by the dramatic alignment of the Panorama Hills and the broader Elkhorn Plain. Cultural and historical markers are concentrated around Painted Rock, a massive monolith that has served as a landmark for generations. Access through this remote terrain is maintained by a network of unimproved routes and named paths, such as Painted Rock Trl and West Well Trl, which connect the scattered well sites and survey points across the valley floor.