2014 Map of Fourmile Flat

About this map

Salt Wells Marsh and the expansive desert playas of Fourmile Flat dominate this portion of the Great Basin in Churchill County. This arid landscape is defined by its dramatic elevation changes, where the dry basins of Eightmile Flat and Salt Wells Basin sit in the shadow of the Stillwater Range. The presence of Sand Mtn and the nearby Sand Springs indicates a geography shaped by wind and sparse water sources, such as Tunnel Spring tucked into the higher elevations. The map documents the persistent topographical features of this desert environment, including the specialized infrastructure of Sand Mountain Rd providing access to the singular dunes. This 2014 survey serves as a modern baseline for understanding the hydrology and landforms of the Nevada desert prior to further environmental shifts.