1985 Map of Salton Sea

About this map

Salton Sea dominates the landscape of the Imperial Valley in this mid-1980s record, surrounded by a complex network of military reservations, wildlife habitats, and desert mining operations. The map illustrates the significant human footprint on this arid basin, from the agricultural grids around Calipatria and Niland to the extensive Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range to the east. Along the shoreline, recreational and ecological interests are represented by the Salton Sea State Recreation Area and the Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge. The Southern Pacific railroad follows the eastern shore, passing through small settlements and sidings like Bombay Beach and Wister. Evidence of the region's mineral wealth is scattered across the Chocolate Mountains, with labeled sites such as the Black Eagle Mine and Mary Lode Mine marking the rugged interior. The map also identifies remote water sources like Chuckwalla Spring and Frink Spring, essential landmarks in the desert terrain.