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2011 Map of Sandrock Mountain

Name: 2011 Topographic Map of Sandrock Mountain
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2011
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2011

About this map

Sandrock Mountain and the high desert canyons of Jefferson County define this 2011 survey, showing a landscape shaped by remote ranching and seasonal water sources. The map provides a detailed view of the regional ranching economy through the locations of the Kaser Ranch and the Upper Cherry Creek Ranch, both positioned near the drainage of Cherry Creek. The importance of water in this arid environment is evident from the concentration of named springs, such as Log House Spring, Oler Spring, and Pine Spring, which historically supported livestock and early travelers.

Prominent geographical landmarks like Balanced Rocks, Indian Rocks, and the steep enclave of Hells Half Acre offer distinct navigational points across the rugged topography. Modern infrastructure is limited to corridors like NE Gosner Rd and the Cherry Creek Dam, while natural passages like Tompkins Pass and Red Gap follow the ancient logic of the terrain. The presence of numerous named gulches and canyons, including Ryestack Gulch and Studhorse Canyon, illustrates the complex erosion patterns common to this part of central Oregon.