2012 Map of Cottonwood Pass

About this map

Cottonwood Pass serves as a central point of orientation for this desert landscape in southern Nevada, where high-elevation landmarks meet essential water sources. The terrain is defined by the Bird Spring Range to the east and the presence of Potosi Tower on the western edge. Given the arid environment, the mapping of scattered water points such as Ninetynine Spring, Aztec Tank, and Wilson Tank reveals the critical infrastructure relied upon by ranchers and travelers moving through these mountain gaps. This 2012 survey by the U.S. Geological Survey illustrates the relationship between the natural topography and the sparse human additions like transmission towers and access roads that characterize modern land use in this part of Clark County.