2014 Map of Horse Pasture Mesa

About this map

Horse Pasture Mesa dominates this high-elevation landscape in Garfield County, defining a region where protected federal lands converge. The boundary between Capitol Reef National Park and the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area cuts through the canyon country, illustrating the complex management of this desert terrain. The topography is characterized by a series of distinct, flat-topped elevations including Colt Mesa and numerous benches such as Silver Falls Bench, Choprock Bench, and Baker Bench. These features are carved by the intermittent drainage systems of Silver Falls Cr and Moody Cr, which create the deep relief and the colorful formations of the Purple Hills in the southeast. This map captures the intersection of monumental geology and national conservation efforts in the early 21st century.