1985 Map of Sheep Creek Spring

About this map

The Ava Watz Mountains dominate this arid landscape where the southern reaches of Death Valley meet the Silurian Valley. This mid-1980s field study captures a transitional desert environment defined by sparse water sources and early mining activity. Evidence of human endeavor is found at the Sheep Cr Mine, situated near the vital Sheep Creek Spring. The western portion of the map is largely occupied by the Fort Irwin Military Reservation, marking the boundary between public land and restricted defense territory. In the southeastern corner, the presence of Old Mormon Spring (Dry) serves as a reminder of the historical significance of water to travelers through these basins, while the Salt Spring Hills and Anvil Canyon provide stark topographic contrast to the surrounding creek beds like Salt Creek.