2018 Map of West of Empire

About this map

Fox Range peaks dominate the western portion of this Great Basin landscape, giving way to the expansive flatlands of the Black Rock Desert to the east. This 2018 survey by the U.S. Geological Survey captures a stark geological transition where steep canyons meet prehistoric lakebed sediments. The few drainages present, such as Cottonwood Cr and Willow Cr, flow from the high ridges toward the desert floor, reflecting the traditional hydrology of northern Washoe County. This area is characterized by vast Public Land Survey System divisions, including t31n r22e and t31n r23e, showing the structured grid applied to this arid terrain. For those interested in the natural boundaries of the Nevada desert, this map illustrates the precise meeting point of the range and the playa.