1986 Map of Black Rock Flat West

About this map

Black Rock Flat and the adjacent Alkali Basin define this arid corner of Sweetwater County, where the high desert landscape is etched by intermittent drainages. A network of unimproved roads and trails provides access to isolated water sources like Flowing Well and several unnamed wells, which were vital for livestock and survival in this water-scarce region. The terrain is characterized by shifting Sand Dunes and seasonal features such as Dry Lake and Greasewood Wash. Human activity is minimal, represented primarily by a Gravel Pit and survey markers, suggesting a landscape primarily used for grazing and resource extraction. The presence of Black Rock Creek cutting through the center of the flats highlights the importance of seasonal hydrology in shaping the geography of the Wyoming basins during the late twentieth century.