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2023 Map of San Rafael Knob

Name: 2023 Topographic Map of San Rafael Knob
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2023
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2023

About this map

San Rafael Knob rises as a prominent landmark in this segment of the San Rafael Swell, a geologic landscape defined by deep canyons and flat-topped mesas. The modern passage of I-70 bisects the northern reaches, following a route past Dutchman Arch and across the South Fork Coal Wash. Below the highway, a network of tracks like the Rod's Valley Cutoff and Red Canyon Loop suggests the persistent human presence of ranchers and explorers navigating the drainages between Secret Mesa and Taylor Flat.

Water sources are scarce but critical, marked by features such as Tan Seep, Forked Post Pond, and the NE Rods Valley Spr. The terrain is characterized by dramatic elevation changes, notably at Eagle Canyon and Devils Canyon, which carve through the heart of the quadrangle. For those studying the land use of Emery County, the map provides precise locations for family-named features like Family Butte and Earls Draw, alongside natural wonders like Eagle Canyon Arch.