1973 Map of Wild Crossing

About this map

Wild Crossing and Point of Rocks sit along the banks of the Mojave River, marking a critical juncture of desert transit in the early 1970s. The landscape is defined by the infrastructure of the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad and the National Trails Highway, which follow the river's natural corridor. To the north, the terrain rises toward Iron Mountain, while the desert floor is crisscrossed by specialized routes like Brisbane Pipeline Road and the historic Santa Fe Trail. Aviation and industrial needs are evident through the Helendale Airport, a mid-century Landing Strip, and several Gravel Pits and Borrow Pits. The presence of North Lake and numerous Wells highlight the importance of water management in this arid San Bernardino County environment.