2017 Map of Crows Nest Spring

About this map

The San Rafael Desert dominates this arid landscape of the Colorado Plateau, where water sources are few and far between. Vital desert hydrology is marked by Crows Nest Spring and Cottonwood Spring, serving as essential points in an otherwise parched environment. The terrain is deeply incised by drainage systems such as Iron Wash, which is further detailed by its N Central Iron Wash and S Central Iron Wash branches. Evidence of human activity in the region is sparse, highlighted primarily by the S Cottonwood Exploration road which cuts through the southern reaches of the quadrangle. To the north, the topographic relief increases significantly at Ernie Canyon, providing a sharp contrast to the broader desert floor. This 2017 survey documents the modern state of these remote landmarks within Emery County, mapping the intersection of seasonal washes and isolated springs that have historically dictated travel and survival in the region.