2015 Map of Denio Summit

About this map

Denio Summit serves as the high-elevation focal point for this high-desert portion of Humboldt County, where the transition between drainage basins is marked by a complex network of seasonal creeks and springs. The sparse human presence in this region is anchored by the Denio Highway 140, which bisects the landscape and provides access to remote locations like the Howard Cemetery. This area is defined by its water sources, including numerous named springs such as Reese Spring, Houghland Spring, and Rattlesnake Spring, which historically supported ranching and transit through the Great Basin. Significant terrain features like Black Butte, Granite Mtn, and the deep cut of Alta Canyon illustrate the geological character of the region. Local hydrology is further represented by ephemeral features like Harden Lake and several drainages, including Virgin Cr and Little Sage Hen Cr.