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2020 Map of San Rafael Knob

Name: 2020 Topographic Map of San Rafael Knob
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2020
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2020

About this map

San Rafael Swell defines this area of Emery County, where high desert elevations are punctuated by dramatic geologic formations like San Rafael Knob and Secret Mesa. The landscape is a network of deep drainage systems, including Devils Canyon, Eagle Canyon, and South Fork Coal Wash, which have carved out natural landmarks such as Dutchman Arch and Eagle Canyon Arch.

Modern access via the interstate corridor skirts the Head of Sinbad and Ghost Rock, while older backcountry routes like Temple Mt Rd and Red Canyon Loop provide access to the interior. Water sources are scarce in this arid environment, marked by isolated points such as Tan Seep and Black Dragon Spr. The presence of named flats and valleys, such as Taylor Flat and Rods Valley, suggests a long history of cattle ranging and exploration through these complex canyon systems.