2018 Map of San Emidio Desert North

About this map

The Fox Range dominates the western portion of this Great Basin landscape, where high ridgelines give way to the sprawling basins of the Black Rock Desert to the north and the San Emidio Desert to the south. This area of Washoe County is characterized by seasonal drainages and remote ranching infrastructure, connected by routes like Farm District Rd and Empire Ranch Rd. Water sources are critical but scarce in this arid environment, marked by features such as Jackass Spring and the ephemeral flows of Willow Cr and Rodeo Cr. Significant geological features define the southern terrain, notably the deep cuts of Rattlesnake Canyon and Little Rattlesnake Canyon. This survey illustrates the sparse, functional road network and traditional land divisions that have long supported cattle ranching and open-range land use in Nevada.