2012 Map of West of Furnace Creek

About this map

Death Valley Airport serves as a modern waypoint in this arid landscape, situated just east of the expansive drainage systems that define the area. The map illustrates a stark topography where Mustard Canyon cuts through the northern reaches, leading toward the low-lying Middle Basin further south. This 2012 survey highlights the natural hydrology of the desert floor, capturing the braided paths of Blackwater Wash and Salt Creek as they navigate the basin. These seasonal watercourses dictate the geography of the valley, showing the intricate network of washes that emerge from the surrounding heights to converge in the central flats. The presence of the airport alongside these geological features provides a clear reference point for the intersection of human infrastructure and the desert's natural drainage patterns.