2013 Map of Notch Butte

About this map

Notch Butte stands as a prominent landmark in this corner of the Bruneau Desert, an area characterized by its distinct volcanic topography and ephemeral watercourses. This modern survey by the U.S. Geological Survey documents the intersection of Owyhee County's physical geography with its limited human infrastructure, primarily defined by the Crows Nest Rd that winds through the desert floor. The landscape is punctuated by geological formations like the Twin Buttes and The Big Hill, which have likely served as navigational waypoints for generations. Drainage patterns are clearly marked by the intermittent paths of Sailor Cr and Deadman Cr, which carve through the high plateau towards Blue Ridge. A historical trace of earlier travel is found at Deadhorse Crossing, suggesting a specific point where the terrain allowed for passage across the rugged drainage networks in this high-desert environment.