1969 Map of Basque Summit

About this map

The Old Overland Road traces a historic passage through the Desatoya Mountains along the border of Churchill and Lander counties. This high-altitude corridor is anchored by the Overland Mail Station (Ruins) and the Basque Summit, reflecting a landscape defined by 19th-century transit and livestock ranching. In the lower elevations, the Smith Creek Ranch sits near a Borrow Pit and a spillway, indicating the vital management of water in this arid environment. Indigenous history is also present on the landscape, noted by the Petroglyphs found near the banks of Edwards Creek. Numerous water sources like Topia Spring and Barrel Spring served as essential waypoints for travelers navigating the canyons and the expansive Edwards Creek Valley.