1986 Map of Thirsty Canyon SW

About this map

Oasis Valley defines the landscape of this southern Nevada desert, where the subterranean waters of the Amargosa River occasionally surface in a string of vital springs. This 1986 revision, based on earlier surveys dating back to 1964, documents a rugged basin dominated by drainage systems like Thirsty Canyon and Rocket Wash. Significant portions of the eastern and northern territory are designated as a Restricted Access Area within the Nellis Air Force Range, illustrating the Cold War-era military footprint on the American West. Beyond the military boundaries, the map reveals traces of mineral exploration, specifically marking several Prospects and a Mine Shaft, alongside isolated water features such as Colson Pond. These features highlight the dual history of the region as both a site for high-security federal operations and a challenging environment for traditional prospectors.