1990 Map of Pinta Playa

About this map

The Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge and Wilderness dominates this corner of Yuma County, Arizona, illustrating a landscape defined by sharp topographical contrasts and restricted access. The rugged peaks of the Sierra Pinta run northwest to southeast, separating the Mohawk Valley from the Tule Desert and the Pinta Sands. In the southwestern corner, the terrain transitions into the Pinacate Valley, where a specific section is noted for its Lava flows. This region is significantly shaped by its status as part of the Barry M Goldwater Air Force Range, a military training area established in the mid-20th century. The presence of the Pinta Playa near the desert floor indicates a dry lake bed, a crucial hydrological feature in this arid environment where water is scarce and drainage patterns are largely ephemeral.