1940 Map of Trail Canyon

About this map

Angeles National Forest dominates this topographic study of the central San Gabriel Mountains during the late 1930s and 1940s. The landscape is defined by its drainage systems, including the North Fork Pacoima Creek and Pacoima Creek, which carve through deep canyons like Sold Iron Canyon and Noel Canyon. Evidence of early infrastructure and fire management is prominent, with multiple Firebreak lines and a Transmission Line cutting across the north-central high ground. For researchers of the California backcountry, the map identifies specific water sources vital to this arid environment, such as Yerba Buena Spring and Foster Spring, alongside established routes like the Indian Creek Trail and various unnamed trails. Elevations reach their peak at landmarks like Iron Mtn and Condor Peak, providing a clear picture of the region's complex geography before modern development.