2021 Map of Alkali Lake

About this map

Alkali Lake dominates the central basin of this high-desert landscape in northern Washoe County, a characteristic seasonal water body surrounded by the expansive drainage of Long Valley. This 2021 survey details a region defined by its hydrogeology, where thermal features like Warm Springs and Hills Warm Spring emerge near the edges of the valley floor. The geography is bounded to the east by the dramatic elevations of the Painted Point Range, featuring prominent overlooks such as Big Point and the geological indentation of Little Basin. Movement through this remote terrain is dictated by long-established routes, including Ft Bidwell Rd and Smith Ranch Rd, which follow the natural contours of the basin. The map illustrates a classic Great Basin environment where water, though ephemeral as seen at Dry Lake, remains the primary factor for settlement and ranching access.