1903 Map of Rock Creek

About this map

San Gabriel Timber Land Reserve dominates the southern landscape of this turn-of-the-century survey, documenting a rugged wilderness before modern recreational development. Settlement is sparse, clustered primarily at the desert edge where Big Rock Creek leaves the mountains, noted by early outposts like Pallett, Big Rock Villa, and Shoemaker. The map traces the intricate drainage systems of the San Gabriel River, including the West Fork, North Fork, and Iron Fork, providing a foundational view of the region's watersheds. High-altitude landmarks such as Mt. Islip, Waterman Mt., and North Baldy are carefully documented alongside geological curiosities like the Devils Punchbowl. For researchers, the presence of Squirrel Inn and Sycamore Flat offers evidence of early foothill habitation, while the transition into the Mohave Desert to the north is marked by a network of early trails and a solitary Reservoir fed by a Ditch.