Smoke Creek Desert
Smoke Creek Desert is a high-desert basin straddling the California-Nevada border, characterized by broad salt flats and dry basin floors. It is known for remote solitude, seasonal playa surfaces, and as a historic route for trans-desert travel.
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Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | Western United States |
| Subregion | Great Basin |
| Country | United States |
| State | CaliforniaNevada |
| County | Washoe County (NV)Lassen County (CA) |
| District | Smoke Creek Basin |
| Timezone | AmericaLos Angeles |
| Latitude | 41.8 |
| Longitude | -120.3 |
| Maps |
6:13 PM LOCAL TIMESmoke Creek Desert spans roughly 560 km² across northwest Nevada and northeast California, lying within the Great Basin region. The basin is defined by elevations between 1400 and 1800 meters, and flood-irregular runnels dissect its dry surface. In dry years, expansive salt flats and silty playas dominate; surface conditions are highly seasonal, swelling with winter and spring runoff or after rare storms. Historically, the basin served as a key route for cross-desert travel—from early settlers to modern overland routes—aligning with old trails and pioneering pathways. Today, Smoke Creek offers primitive access with few services; visitors come to visualize the raw desert landscape, game and bird hunt, or use it as a trans-desert waypoint. Expect extreme remoteness, variable surface conditions, and wide-open skies—planning ahead is essential.
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