Forgot to mention:
Visitors to Deep Creek via Bowen Ranch Rd. drive through this area which is just past the BLM kiosk and 3N14 turnoff.
The cottonwoods mark the upper portion of Rock Springs. An earthen dam was constructed at this location around 1860 and was used as a watering hole for teams prior to climbing Coxey Truck Trail
The 1860 route to the gold mines was up the tollroad in the Cajon Pass to Hesperia, Rock Springs Rd. to Rock Springs, Coxey Truck Trail to Oak Springs and on to Holcomb Valley.
The Rock Springs Road/Coxey Truck route was called the Van Duesen Rd. and was funded by miners in Holcomb Valley. Lucky Baldwin was one of the more fortunate investors.
Thanks for the photos of this area, Rick.