1980 Map of Burnt Lake

About this map

The high desert landscape of the Nevada-California border is defined by a series of shallow basins and ephemeral water sources in this 1980 survey. Situated on the western edge of Duck Flat, the terrain is marked by seasonal bodies of water such as Burnt Lake and Willow Lake, alongside several springs that served as critical watering points in an otherwise arid environment. The presence of Lackerman Airstrip indicates the reliance on aerial access in this sparsely populated region, while the Buckhorn Road provides the primary overland route through the sagebrush-covered hills. This area near the Lassen and Washoe County line reveals a network of canyons, including Express Canyon and Worland Canyon, which channel what little moisture reaches the playa floors. Notable landmarks like Pilgrim Spring and Sob Lake reflect the vernacular naming conventions of early ranchers and travelers navigating the transition from the high plateau down toward the basin floors.