2017 Map of Dry Mesa

About this map

Dry Mesa serves as the central geographic feature of this Emery County landscape, where the high desert terrain is defined by a complex drainage system of ephemeral washes. The Summerville Wash and its various branches, including the Left Fork and Middle Fork, carve through the topography toward Summerville Point. Human activity in this arid environment is evidenced by essential water management features like Saleratus Reservoir and Smith Pond, which support the surrounding range. The historic overland route from Moab to Boulder Town traverses the map, crossing the Green River Cutoff Road near Lost Spring Wash. To the south, the terrain descends into named depressions and canyons such as Big Hole Wash, Joe Hole Wash, and the notably named Horse Heaven, illustrating the area's history of ranching and land use in the San Rafael Swell region.