Cottonwood Spring (Black Mountains, Nevada) facts for kids
Cottonwood Spring is a natural spring located in the Black Mountains in Nevada. A spring is a place where underground water flows out onto the surface of the land. This spring is found between the western part of Pinto Valley and an area called Callville Wash. It sits at an elevation of about 2,205 feet (672 meters) above sea level.
History of Cottonwood Spring
Cottonwood Spring was a very important stop along an old trail that followed the north bank of the Colorado River. This trail connected the Virgin River and Las Vegas Wash. Imagine travelers needing a fresh water source in a dry desert! That's exactly what Cottonwood Spring provided.
A Shortcut Around Boulder Canyon
The trail that passed by Cottonwood Spring was special because it offered a way to get around a difficult area. This area was the narrow and deep Boulder Canyon. Instead of trying to go through the tough canyon, people could use this trail as a bypass. This made their journeys much safer and easier. The spring itself was located on the western side of a mountain pass through the Black Mountains.
Part of the Old Spanish Trail
The trail connected to Cottonwood Spring was a section of the famous Old Spanish Trail. This historic trail was used for trade and travel between Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Los Angeles, California.
The Old Spanish Trail was first explored and established by a Mexican merchant and explorer named Antonio Armijo. He led a group of travelers from Nuevo Mexico (which is now part of the United States) between 1829 and 1830. Cottonwood Spring became a vital watering spot for people and animals traveling along this long and challenging route.
