2014 Map of Horse Canyon

About this map

The vast, arid margins of the Smoke Creek Desert dominate the southern portion of this Washoe County landscape. The terrain is defined by a dense network of canyons and high basins, including Five Springs Canyon, Willow Basin, and Little Sawmill Basin, separated by prominent heights like Burnt Mtn. Water sources are the critical lifeblood of this environment, appearing as isolated springs scattered across the high ground, such as Horse Canyon Spring, Granite Spring, and Cottonwood Spring. Human movement through this remote territory is primarily facilitated by the Surprise Valley Rd, which skirts the edge of the desert floor. The distribution of these water points and the naming of features like Stockade Canyon suggest a history of livestock management and seasonal transit through the Great Basin.