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1988 Map of Gilson Butte

Name: 1988 Topographic Map of Gilson Butte
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1988
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1988

About this map

San Rafael Desert dominates this arid landscape, a region defined by high-elevation plateaus and isolated water sources. Published in the late 1980s, the survey captures the vastness of the terrain where Gilson Butte and Little Gilson Butte serve as prominent navigation landmarks. The scarcity of surface water is reflected in the mapping of deep-earth infrastructure such as Gilson Butte Well and Jeffery Well, which are critical nodes for any human activity in this corner of Emery and Wayne Counties.

The southern boundary of the map follows the line between Emery and Wayne counties, crossing the drainage of Blackburn Draw. A distinct topographic high point labeled Monte anchors the southwestern quadrant, illustrating the dramatic vertical relief of the San Rafael Swell's eastern reaches. This provisional edition was compiled from 1981 aerial photography, offering a precise look at the tracks and trails used to access these remote desert features before modern infrastructure changes.