Imperial County topographic maps

Average elevation: 24 m

At an elevation of 180 feet (55 m) below sea level, Calipatria is the lowest incorporated city in the Western Hemisphere. The city currently claims to have the "tallest flagpole (184 feet) where the flag flies at sea level" at 184 feet (56 m), so their American flag will always fly above sea level. According…

Average elevation: -54 m

In the 1970s, most of the buildings constructed along the shoreline, including the city's marina were abandoned due to rising sea elevation. In the 1980s, the Imperial Irrigation District took proactive water conservation measures to reduce the flow of unused canal water into the Salton Sea. Throughout the…

Average elevation: -35 m

In the 1970s, most of the buildings constructed along the shoreline, including the city's marina were abandoned due to rising sea elevation. In the 1980s, the Imperial Irrigation District took proactive water conservation measures to reduce the flow of unused canal water into the Salton Sea. Throughout the…

Average elevation: -40 m

Average elevation: 2 m

Average elevation: -64 m

Average elevation: 41 m

NAF El Centro, the winter home of the Blue Angels, was built adjacent to Seeley in 1946. In 1964, Interstate 8 was run a mile south of Seeley, marking the lowest elevation on the Interstate Highway System at -52 feet.

Average elevation: -11 m

The derelict "living ghost town" status of Bombay Beach has attracted many photographers, filmmakers, urban explorers, and tourists. The town, as well as others on the shores of the Salton Sea, is one of the lowest settlements in elevation in North America. The local American Legion, Post 801, had 36 members…

Average elevation: -63 m

Average elevation: -48 m

Average elevation: -40 m

Average elevation: 71 m

Average elevation: -18 m

The Gulf of California would extend as far north as the city of Indio, were it not for the delta created by the Colorado River. Over three million years, through all of the Pleistocene, the river's delta expanded until it cut off the northern part of the gulf. Since then, the Colorado River has alternated…

Average elevation: 9 m

Average elevation: 89 m

Brawley is located in the Colorado Desert and Lower Colorado River Valley regions. The city's elevation, like other Imperial Valley towns, is below sea level.

Average elevation: -37 m

Average elevation: -56 m

Average elevation: 130 m

Brawley is located in the Colorado Desert and Lower Colorado River Valley regions. The city's elevation, like other Imperial Valley towns, is below sea level.

Average elevation: -44 m

Average elevation: -10 m