2018 Map of Soda Lake South

About this map

Soda Lake dominates the northern portion of this landscape, its expansive basin reflecting the ephemeral nature of water in the Mojave Desert. The map records a transition from the salt-encrusted flat of the lake to the shifting sands of the Devils Playground and the complex drainage systems of the Mojave River Wash and Kelso Wash. Located within the Mojave National Preserve, the area is defined by its arid hydrology and significant topographical variations, ranging from the low-lying lake bed to the elevated Mesquite Hills in the southwest corner. The small settlement of Balch sits along the rail line traversing the southern half of the quadrangle, serving as a primary point of human infrastructure in an otherwise desert environment. This 2018 survey provides an essential look at the modern land management boundaries and the persistent natural landmarks that have shaped navigation through San Bernardino County for generations.