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1949 Map of Palomar Observatory

Name: 1949 Topographic Map of Palomar Observatory
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1988
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1988

About this map

Palomar Observatory sits atop the high plateau of Palomar Mountain, world-famous for the massive Hale Telescope (200-inch) and its neighboring 48-inch Telescope and 18-inch Telescope installations. This mid-century survey reveals the specialized infrastructure supporting the high-altitude research site, including the winding Observatory Road and a network of fire-lookout access points like High Point BM 6140.

South of the observatory heights, the landscape descends into the La Jolla Indian Reservation and the remote grazing lands of Mendenhall Valley and Dyche Valley. The presence of the Maple Lode Mine and Ware Mine on the slopes of Aguanga Mountain highlights the region's mineral history. Water from the San Luis Rey River feeds toward Lake Henshaw at the map's edge, defining the drainage patterns of this complex section of the Cleveland National Forest.