2021 Map of Sheepshead Spring

About this map

The Smoke Creek Desert dominates the eastern reaches of this high-desert landscape in Washoe County, where the arid basin floor meets the rising elevations of the Sand Range. Vital water sources appear as isolated points across the terrain, including Sheepshead Spring and Buckbrush Spring, which historically served as critical landmarks for travelers and ranching operations in this part of northern Nevada. The western portion of the sheet is defined by complex topography, carved by Maria Canyon, Black Diamond Canyon, and Willow Canyon. Transportation is limited to rugged corridors like Surprise Valley Rd and Smoke Creek Rd, tracing the edges of the desert and following the intermittent flow of Smoke Cr. This map documents a sparsely settled region where the natural geography of springs and canyons dictates the movement of people and livestock.