1954 Map of Range Creek

About this map

Range Creek carves a deep valley through the high plateau of the West Tavaputs, serving as a vital corridor of habitation in this isolated stretch of the Utah backcountry. The 1954 field check captures the remote operations at Pilling Ranch and Wilcox Ranch, situated where the canyon floor widens enough to support human activity. To the east, the landscape drops precipitously toward the Green River, which forms the boundary of the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation. The river flows through Desolation Canyon, flanked by dramatic features like Red Point and Florence Creek. The network of jeep trails and livestock paths, such as the one crossing Last Chance Benches, illustrates the era's reliance on rugged transportation for ranching and land management. The presence of Xmas Mtn and Big Horn Mtn highlights the significant vertical relief and the topographical complexity of the Emery and Carbon County lines.