2017 Map of Tule Springs

About this map

The Alvord Desert floor and its dramatic eastern edge dominate this portion of Harney County, illustrating the stark transition between the playa basin and the high desert plateaus. The topography is defined by the Tule Springs Rims, a sharp escarpment that rises abruptly from the desert flats toward Howluk Butte. Water is a scarce and vital resource in this arid landscape, appearing as isolated points such as Big Sand Gap Spring, Sailor Jack Spring, and the namesake Tule Springs. These water sources historically dictated movement through the gaps in the ridges, including Big Sand Gap and Little Sand Gap, which provided natural passage through the steep terrain.