Virtual Guidebook to Northern and Central Nevada
Toiyabe Range and Big Smoky Valley
south of Austin Nevada

Big Smoky Valley, named by Fremont, is flanked by the Toiyabe and Toquima Ranges, two of the state's longest and highest, and is located at the geographic center of the state. The alternation of basin and range that characterizes so much of Nevada is beautifully displayed.

There is not much here for the average traveler except the wonderful feeling of space. Big Smoky Valley has one of the few paved north-south roads. Spence Hot Springs is on a dirt road a few miles south of Highway 50.