1985 Map of Red Spring

About this map

Red Spring serves as a vital water source in this high-desert landscape of Elko County, marking a rare point of reliable hydration at the foot of the rising terrain. The map captures an arid expanse defined by broad basins and high ridges, where survival depends on localized landmarks like Indian Well and various Stock Tanks. To the north, the geography opens into the wide reaches of Dixie Flats and White Flats, separated by complex drainages and the prominent Cedar Ridge. The presence of Crane Springs Canyon suggests the seasonal movement of water and likely livestock through this remote territory. This provisional survey is particularly useful for understanding the ranching infrastructure of the 1980s, documenting the essential wells and springs that made the high Nevada basins habitable for cattle and land managers.