1968 Map of Franklin Lake SW

About this map

The Ruby Mountains dominate the western horizon of this high-desert landscape, where steep slopes within the Humboldt National Forest drop sharply into the Ruby Valley. The interaction between the mountain range and the valley floor is defined by a series of drainages, including Gardner Canyon and Wilson Canyon, which feed into a complex system of marshes and lakes. To the east, the Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge and Franklin Lake create a seasonal aquatic environment bordering an expansive Alkali Flat. Human activity in this remote Elko County region is evidenced by mining ventures like the Star Mine and Mines located near Harrison Pass. The presence of Hot Springs and numerous unnamed springs suggests the critical importance of water resources in this arid Great Basin setting during the late 1960s.