2021 Map of Nellie Spring Mountain

About this map

The Massacre Range dominates this corner of Washoe County, defining a landscape shaped by intermittent water and steep elevation. Local landmarks like Nellie Spring Mtn and the sheer walls of High Rock Canyon provide orientation in this remote high-desert environment. This 2021 survey details the essential water sources that have historically supported transit and livestock through this territory, from the Argon Reservoir to isolated points like Lower Indian Spring, Indian Spring, and Fern Spring. Transportation is limited to rugged tracks, most notably High Rock Canyon Rd, which follows the natural drainage of High Rock Cr. The naming conventions found here, such as Grassy Wash and Grassy Canyon, speak to the sparse vegetation patterns and seasonal grazing potential of the Great Basin.