2012 Map of Cortez Canyon

About this map

Cortez Canyon and Copper Canyon define the high-desert character of this Lander County terrain, where elevation and drainage patterns dictate the sparse human footprint. The map documents isolated landmarks such as Francis Cabin in the south and Rock House to the east, indicating the long-standing use of these canyons for ranching or prospecting. These individual dwellings, along with the drainage of Cooks Creek, provide specific points of reference in a landscape otherwise marked by the prominent height of Squaw Butte. The network of local roads and 4WD tracks shown here reveals how modern travelers and land managers navigate this portion of the Great Basin, connecting remote outposts to the wider region.