1987 Map of Cottonwood Peak

About this map

The South Fork Owyhee River snakes through a high-elevation basin in this 1980s landscape, serving as a primary drainage between the Tuscarora Mountains to the west and Independence Valley to the east. This section of Elko County is defined by its water sources and mining history, notably featuring the Spain site and a Prospect located in the western uplands. The terrain is dominated by Cottonwood Peak, which overlooks several significant tributaries including Cottonwood Creek and Hot Creek. Geologic activity is indicated by several Springs (Hot) found in the northern reaches of the valley. The map details a remote ranching and mining environment where high-altitude features like Swimmers Flat provide a glimpse into the late-20th-century character of northeastern Nevada's mountainous interior.