1959 Map of Shell Reef

About this map

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park dominates the western portion of this landscape, where the rugged topography of the Ocotillo Badlands and Squaw Peak meets the arid lowlands of the Imperial Valley. Water, though scarce, defines the geography here, with the San Felipe Creek drainage system and its tributaries like Tarantula Wash and Tule Wash carving deep paths through the desert floor. This 1959 survey provides a precise look at historical water sources and points of interest for early travelers, including the Los Puertecitos Historical Marker and the isolated Wolfe Well (Dry). The distinct geological formations of Shell Reef and the Pumpkin Patch are clearly delineated, illustrating the varied terrain that exists along the San Diego Co Imperial Co boundary. The presence of a Levee near Benson Lake indicates early efforts to manage seasonal flows in this desert environment.