1968 Map of Guano Lake

About this map

Shirk Ranch sits at the northern edge of this high desert landscape, positioned near the dramatic descent of the Shirk Rim. This 1960s environment is defined by its intermittent water systems and vast catchment basins, most notably the expansive Guano Valley and the bed of Guano Lake. The map reveals a land managed for both grazing and wildlife, with a portion of the territory dedicated to the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge. Numerous small basins such as Jack Lake, Egg Lake, and Corral Lake dot the western plateau, connected by a network of Jeep Trails. These features, along with Jack Creek and Guano Creek, illustrate the complex drainage patterns of Lake County, where seasonal water availability dictated the placement of ranching outposts and conservation boundaries.