2021 Map of Hanks Creek SW

About this map

The high desert landscape of Mallard Hills dominates this portion of Elko County, defined by a network of drainage systems and isolated water sources essential for life in the Great Basin. The terrain is marked by seasonal and perennial flows including Horse Cr, Cottonwood Cr, and Indian Cr, which carve through the high-elevation flats. Of particular interest to local historians are the named water points such as Horse Creek Spring, Union Spring, and Union Spring Two, which historically served as vital landmarks for livestock and travel. Human infrastructure is minimal, centered primarily on the Charleston-Deeth Co Rd, a thoroughfare that facilitates transit through the open range. The map illustrates a classic Nevada basin-and-range pattern, where the accessibility of water at specific springs dictated the movement of people and animals across the high country.