1986 Map of Washington Wash

About this map

Hexie Mountains and the Cottonwood Mountains converge in this high-desert region of Joshua Tree National Monument. The landscape is defined by its complex drainage network, where seasonal waterways like Fried Liver Wash and Washington Wash cut through the arid terrain. While much of the area is designated as Joshua Tree Wilderness, evidence of human activity is visible in the southwestern corner near the Snow Cloud Mine. A series of Prospects and a lonely Prospect further east indicate mid-century mineral exploration before the area was more strictly preserved. Access during this era was limited to rugged 4wd tracks that follow the natural contours of Pinkham Canyon and Cottonwood Basin, illustrating the era's reliance on primitive trails for desert navigation.