2021 Map of Horse Canyon

About this map

Smoke Creek Desert defines the southern extent of this high-altitude landscape in Washoe County, where the desert floor meets a complex network of canyons and drainage basins. The area is characterized by its vital water sources, including Horse Canyon Spring, Granite Spring, and the curiously named Company 40 Spring. These springs and seasonal drainages, such as Five Springs Canyon and Little Sawmill Canyon, reveal a terrain shaped by water management and transit needs in an arid environment. Near Burnt Mtn, the land drops into narrow corridors like Crooked Canyon and Trail Canyon, which provided historical passage through the elevation changes. The presence of Surprise Valley Rd in the southeast corner marks the primary modern route through this high-desert basin and range country.