2018 Map of Blue Basin

About this map

The high elevation terrain of the Independence Mountains dominates this portion of Elko County, where the landscape is defined by drainage basins and seasonal watercourses. Named agricultural and grazing tracts such as South Field, Hereford Field, Basco Field, and Taylor Field are clustered along the western slopes, suggesting a localized ranching economy supported by Red House Ranch road. The namesake Blue Basin occupies the southeast, carved by the headwaters of Chicken Cr and Cold Cr. This survey illustrates the intricate relationship between the mountainous topography and the named fields that rely on the watershed provided by Maggie Cr and its tributaries during the early 21st century.