2017 Map of Preacher Canyon

About this map

Rock Spring Mesa and Cherry Mesa dominate the high-elevation northern boundary of this Grand County terrain. The landscape is defined by a dense network of drainage systems, including the namesake Preacher Canyon and the winding course of Westwater Cr. These waterways cut deep into the plateau, creating isolated landmarks such as Westwater Point and the aptly named Jumping Off Point. Transportation across this complex topography is limited to high-altitude routes like Moon Ridge Rd and Book Cliff Ridge Rd, which follow the natural contours of the ridges. The distribution of water sources like Rock Spring and Red Spring reveals the critical points of reliance for cattle or wildlife in an otherwise arid environment. This map captures the intricate relationship between the elevated mesas and the deep canyons that drain toward the Sulphur Cr basin.