2011 Map of Big Mountain

About this map

Big Mountain dominates this arid landscape in Humboldt County, where water sources determine the layout of the high desert terrain. This 2011 survey captures a network of vital springs and intermittent drainages, including Mustang Springs, Opal Spring, and Cancer Spring. The reliance on local hydrology is evident in features like Paiute Windmill and the Bawling Calf Reservoir, which serve as critical infrastructure in a region otherwise defined by its sharp relief. From the heights of the Black Rock Range to the depths of Copper Canyon, the map traces the natural watercourses of Paiute Creek and Indian Creek. These features illustrate the sparse but essential points of contact between the environment and human activity, connected primarily by the solitary stretch of Leonard Creek Rd.