1973 Map of Gouge Eye Well

About this map

Lake Valley dominates this high-desert basin in Lincoln County, Nevada, where the scarce water sources dictated the movement and survival of those crossing the arid terrain. This 1973 survey highlights the vital infrastructure for ranching and travel in a landscape defined by extreme isolation. Named water points such as Gouge Eye Well, South Gouge Eye Well, and Bitter Well are the primary landmarks, often accompanied by technical features like a Water Tank. The existence of a Jeep Trail cutting across the eastern slopes indicates the continued reliance on rugged, unpaved routes to access these remote outposts. The map documents the stark reality of the Great Basin, where human presence is tethered strictly to the few locations where water could be reliably found or stored.