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2021 Map of Palomar Observatory

Name: 2021 Topographic Map of Palomar Observatory
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2021
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2021

About this map

Palomar Mtn High Point anchors this high-elevation survey of the Cleveland National Forest, where the landscape transitions from steep wooded ridges into several distinct mountain valleys. This region is defined by its dramatic verticality, with the peak overlooking Mendenhall Valley and the smaller meadows of Bull Pasture and Pedley Valley. The settlement at Palomar Park sits tucked along Crestline RD near Birch Hill, serving as a central hub for the network of forest routes that traverse these summits.

Water plays a critical role in the geography here, with the San Luis Rey River and its W Fork carving deep drainages like Lusardi Canyon and Barker Valley. To the south, the community of La Jolla Amago is situated along Pala RD, where the terrain begins to ease toward the riverbanks. The map documents a complex system of fire roads and trails, including the Mendenhall Valley RD and S Grade RD, which provide access to the remote ridges of Aguanga Mtn and Dodge Valley.