2014 Map of Indian Head Pass

About this map

Indian Head Pass serves as a central landmark in this remote corner of San Juan County, where high plateaus are dissected by a complex network of deep drainages. The landscape is defined by the transition between the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and the protected Dark Canyon Primitive Area. Prominent features like Squaw and Papoose Rock and Lean-To Point provided essential visual navigation for those traversing the high ground between Dark Canyon and Lost Canyon. Historically, access was limited to primitive routes such as Woodenshoe Rd and the Sun Dance trail, reflecting the area's isolation and its primary use for backcountry exploration and livestock grazing on areas like Lower Horse Flats. The topography reveals the dramatic erosional patterns of the Colorado River's tributaries, including the deeply incised Fortknocker Canyon.