2021 Map of Picacho SW

About this map

The Colorado River defines the border between Imperial County, California, and La Paz County, Arizona, winding through a landscape shaped by intermittent water and high desert relief. This 2021 survey shows a complex network of wetlands and backwaters along the river's eastern bend, including Adobe Lake, Nortons Lake, and Taylor Lake. The settlement of Paradise Valley sits on the California side, positioned near where the river transitions from the high slopes of the Trigo Mountains. To the south, the topography becomes more dramatic at Bear Canyon Bluff and the drainage of Bear Canyon, which contains the named Bear Canyon Falls. Local transit is marked by primitive routes such as Indian Pass Rd and Stewart Lake Trl, reflecting the area's use for recreation and land management. The presence of features like Ruin Slough and Carrizo Spring suggests the critical importance of reliable water sources in this arid environment.