1944 Map of Toro peak

About this map

The Coachella Valley transitions from the low desert floor into the high elevations of the Santa Rosa Mountains in this mid-century War Department survey. Early development in Rancho Mirage, Palm Village, and Indian Wells is visible along the northern edge, where the Southern Pacific railroad runs parallel to the Whitewater River. The map captures the desert resorts of La Quinta during a period of growth, contrasted with the sparse interior where the Pines to Palms Highway winds through the Pinyon Flat region. High-altitude landmarks like Toro Peak and Santa Rosa Mtn overlook a landscape of remote resource extraction, including the Asbestos Mine and Garnet Queen Mine. Large portions of the terrain are preserved within the San Bernardino National Forest and the Santa Rosa Indian Reservation, intersected by historic paths like the Horsethief Trail.