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1949 Map of Palomar Observatory

Name: 1949 Topographic Map of Palomar Observatory
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1984
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1984

About this map

Palomar Observatory serves as the focal point of this high-altitude landscape, featuring the world-renowned Hale Telescope (200-inch), alongside a 52-inch Telescope and an 18-inch Telescope. The surrounding terrain is defined by the steep grades of Palomar Mountain, where numerous truck trails like the Palomar Divide Truck Trail and High Point Truck Trail snake through the Cleveland National Forest.

South of the peak, the land descends into agricultural and residential pockets such as Pedley Valley and the La Jolla Indian Reservation. Small-scale mining is evident at the Maple Lode Mine and Ware Mine to the east. The drainage of the San Luis Rey River and its tributaries, including Wigham Creek and Cedar Creek, carve out lush basins like Love Valley and Dyche Valley, illustrating a remote mountain economy centered on research, timber, and small-scale ranching.