1948 Map of Red Pass Lake

About this map

The high Mojave desert landscape is dominated by the sprawling Camp Irwin Military Reservation in this 1948 survey. To the north, the Avawatz Mountains define the horizon, their steep slopes dropping toward dry basins and ephemeral water sources. The map records several vital points of interest for local history and topography, including the namesake Red Pass Lake and the nearby Silver Lake. Of particular note for genealogical research is a small Cem located within the military boundaries, alongside historic watering spots like Bitter Spring. The presence of these features amidst the grid of the military reservation reflects the transition of this arid region from a site of early desert travel and small-scale settlement to a specialized tactical training ground.