2021 Map of Smelser Pass

About this map

Smelser Pass and the high peaks of the Tobin Range define this high-desert landscape along the boundary of Humboldt and Pershing counties. In the northern reaches of the quadrangle, Buffalo Mtn rises above the drainage basins of Wilson Creek and Ragan Creek. The presence of Pumpernickel Reservoir and Summit Spring underscores the critical importance of water management and natural springs in this arid Basin and Range environment. The map details a network of rural access routes, including Spr Cross Rd and Ragan Creek Rd, which navigate the steep contour changes between the valley floors and the mountain passes. This U.S. Geological Survey representation documents the modern topography of a sparsely populated region primarily characterized by its dramatic elevation changes and essential water sources.