1953 Map of Palo Verde Mountains

About this map

Palo Verde Mountains and the Mule Mountains dominate this arid landscape along the Riverside and Imperial county line in the early 1950s. The survey reveals a network of primitive transportation routes, including an old Stage Line, the Army Road, and numerous Jeep Trails cutting through the desert floor toward water sources like Wileys Well and Clapp Spring. Geologic interest is marked at the Geode Beds and various prospects scattered near Coon Hollow. The eastern edge of a large Naval Reservation borders the western portion of the quadrangle, illustrating the mid-century military footprint in the California desert. Prominent high points like Palo Verde Peak and Thumb Peak serve as landmarks above the broad drainage of the Milpitas Wash.