2018 Map of Palen Pass

About this map

The Granite Mountains and the Palen Mountains dominate this arid landscape in eastern Riverside County, where the desert floor is shaped by shifting ephemeral watercourses. This 2018 survey illustrates the physical isolation of the region, defined largely by the natural corridor between these two ranges. Central to the map's geography is the Palen Pass Rd, a singular route that navigates the topographical gap and provides the primary east-west passage through the rugged interior. In the northeastern quadrant, Sand Draw marks a significant drainage feature, emphasizing the importance of alluvial patterns in this high-desert environment. The lack of permanent structures or developed townships highlights the area's preservation as a wilderness space, largely unchanged since the early township and range divisions of t2s r18e and t3s r18e were first established.