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2021 Map of Sand Spring

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

USGS Topo · Published 2021

About this map

Pancake Range dominates the central topography of this remote Nye County landscape, rising between two significant basins. To the west, the arid floor of Big Sand Springs Valley stretches toward the mountains, while the northeast corner captures the edge of Duckwater Valley. The terrain is characterized by high-elevation ridges, such as Portuguese Mtn, and a network of isolated water sources essential for survival in this high desert environment.

Water-seeking travelers and ranchers historically relied on specific points along these slopes, including Sand Spring and Portuguese Spring. The presence of several other named sites like Martilletti Spring, Coyote Spring, and Corner Spring suggests a landscape where movement was dictated by reliable springs. Drainage patterns are marked by ephemeral features such as Ike Spring Wash, which channels seasonal runoff from the surrounding peaks.