1988 Map of Bowknot Bend

About this map

The Green River carves a massive, looping meander through the high desert plateau in this 1980s provisional survey. The river's path defines the distinct geography of Bowknot Bend, where the water doubles back on itself within Labyrinth Canyon. Along the river banks, a series of flat alluvial benches known as "bottoms" provided rare accessible ground below the sheer cliffs, including Spring Canyon Bottom, Horsethief Bottom, and Saddle Horse Bottom. These areas contrast sharply with the towering landforms of The Spur and Keg Point that dominate the surrounding landscape. The map also records the meeting of four counties—Emery, Grand, Wayne, and San Juan—reflecting how these natural barriers served as administrative boundaries in this remote part of Utah. Traces of human passage are visible in the form of unimproved roads and trails leading to overlooks like Horsethief Point and Deadman Point.