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1954 Map of Picacho SW

Name: 1954 Topographic Map of Picacho SW
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1956
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1956

About this map

The Colorado River winds through the heart of this mid-century survey, defining the border between Imperial County, California, and Yuma County, Arizona. This section of the river valley is largely occupied by the Imperial National Wildlife Refuge, where the main channel is flanked by a complex network of backwaters including Adobe Lake, Taylor Lake, and Nortons Lake. The map identifies several historical occupation sites along the riverbanks, notably Nortons Landing, Nommel Place, and Hoge Ranch.

Away from the riparian corridor, the topography rises sharply into the Chocolate Mountains to the west and the Trigo Mountains to the east. These arid uplands are dissected by numerous dry washes such as Julian Wash and Picacho Wash. Rare water sources and landmarks are noted in the desert interior, including Carrizo Spring, Carrizo Falls, and Bear Canyon Falls, providing critical detail for those studying early cattle ranching or desert travel routes.