1986 Map of Moonshine Wash

About this map

The San Rafael River meanders across the northern reaches of this Emery County landscape, carving a path through the San Rafael Valley before entering the deeper canyon systems to the east. This 1980s-era topographical survey documents a high desert environment defined by isolated water sources and dramatic elevation changes. Notable landmarks like The Cone and Gruvers Mesa rise above the surrounding terrain, while the intricate drainage of Moonshine Wash and Three Canyon illustrate the erosional forces at work. The map traces several 4WD tracks that provide the only access to remote points like Saddle Horse Spring and Moonshine Spring. In the southern portion, the Saucer Basin Reservoir and Saucer Basin reflect the critical importance of water management in this arid region, providing a detailed view of the natural and man-made hydrology before modern digital mapping.