Loading map...

2021 Map of Sand Pass

Name: 2021 Topographic Map of Sand Pass
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2021
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2021

About this map

Mission Peak anchors this arid Nevada landscape, where the high ridges of the Sand Range overlook the vast expanse of the Smoke Creek Desert. The map reveals a land defined by its scarce but vital water sources, with several uniquely named springs like Rotten Egg Spring, Round Hole Spring, and Sulphur Spring emerging at the base of the mountains. These water points were historically critical for travelers and livestock moving through the region.

Transportation is dominated by the Surprise Valley Rd, which skirts the edge of the desert floor and winds through Sand Pass. To the south, the Terraced Hills and Dry Valley provide a distinct geological contrast to the northern flats. The presence of Slick Reservoir and Dry Slick further emphasizes the seasonal and intermittent nature of water in this high-desert environment during the early twenty-first century.