1980 Map of Granite Peak

About this map

Petersen Mountain and the Sand Hills dominate this high-desert terrain on the border of California and Nevada during the late 1970s. The landscape is defined by its vital water sources, with numerous named springs such as Chokecherry Spring and Tunnel Spring serving as critical landmarks for ranchers and travelers in this arid environment. The presence of several Prospects scattered across the slopes suggests a history of mineral exploration typical of the Washoe Co backcountry. Settlement is minimal, focused instead on the utility of the land, as seen at Pasture Well and the network of routes like Red Rock Road and various Jeep Trails that traverse Red Rock Valley. The map records a moment of transition for this remote corner of Nevada, where the rugged topography around Granite Peak remains largely untouched except for these small-scale industrial and agricultural markers.