1968 Map of Cowboy Bench

About this map

Nine Mile Gas Field dominates the central canyon floor where the Duchesne and Carbon County line follows the winding path of Nine Mile Creek. This 1968 field check reveals a landscape deeply incised by erosion, featuring the prominent Cowboy Bench and Spring Bench plateaus elevated above the canyon systems. The presence of multiple petroglyphs and unique rock formations like The Mummy and The Alcove indicates a region of significant archaeological interest along the watercourses. Cultural imprints on this remote terrain are sparse but specific, ranging from the Nutters Corral to a modern pipeline and several gas wells, illustrating the transition from traditional ranching use to energy extraction. The northern horizon is defined by the sharp drop of the Bad Land Cliffs, while the southern reaches are marked by the steep drainages of Prickly Pear Canyon and Dry Canyon.