1972 Map of Battle Creek Ranch

About this map

Varyville marks a point of historic interest where the Black Rock Range meets the edge of the Black Rock Desert in this high-desert landscape. The transition from the steep, carved terrain of Rough Canyon to the wide basin floor highlights the placement of early ranching outposts like Battle Creek Ranch and Clarkfield Ranch, which were established near vital water sources such as Battle Creek and House Spring. The presence of several wells and the seasonal flows of Bartlett Creek and Leonard Creek underscore the importance of water management for survival in this arid environment. Traces of human activity are further evidenced by a system of primitive roads and trails connecting these isolated settlements and resource points, including a Borrow Pit and the small station at Graves.