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1959 Map of Tubb Canyon

Name: 1959 Topographic Map of Tubb Canyon
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1960
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1960

About this map

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park dominates this 1950s survey, revealing a landscape defined by seasonal water sources and early desert transit routes. The presence of numerous named desert oases, such as Hellhole Palms, Maidenhair Falls, and Yaqui Well, underscores the critical importance of reliable hydrology in this arid region. From the elevations of Pinyon Ridge and the Grapevine Hills, the terrain descends into the broad expanse of Borrego Valley, where the burgeoning settlement of Borrego Springs is visible alongside the established Chimney Rock Ranch.

Transport through this complex topography is marked by the winding Montezuma Highway and the Grapevine Canyon Road, which parallel ancient natural corridors like Grapevine Canyon. The map meticulously records numerous smaller seeps and springs—including Pena Spring, Johnnie Spr, and Bitter Creek Spring—providing a detailed record of the desert's vital points for both early travelers and cattle ranchers before modern infrastructure expanded throughout San Diego County.