1968 Map of Sand Spring

About this map

Big Sand Springs Valley and the high elevations of the Pancake Range dominate this late-1960s survey of Nye County. The landscape is defined by its critical water sources, which were essential for survival and transit in this arid basin-and-range environment. Vital points such as Sand Spring, which includes a nearby water tank, Martilletti Spring, and Portuguese Spring appear along the western slopes of the mountains. These springs often dictated the paths of travel across the terrain, as evidenced by the network of jeep trails connecting the valleys. To the south, Portuguese Mountain stands as a prominent landmark above Ike Spring Wash, while the eastern portion of the map transitions into the Duckwater Valley. This map provides a clear record of the area's geography before later environmental or land-use changes, documenting the exact placement of remote water features used by ranchers and desert travelers.