1987 Map of Shafer Basin

About this map

The Colorado River carves a deep, winding path through this corner of San Juan County, defining a landscape of dramatic vertical relief and industrial utility. In the late 20th century, the presence of Salt Evaporators in the Shafer Basin provides a striking contrast to the surrounding protected lands. These man-made ponds sit just north of the border between Dead Horse Point State Park and Canyonlands National Park, illustrating the complex management of Utah's canyon country where potash extraction and conservation coexist. The terrain is further detailed by numerous survey points and topographical landmarks like Pyramid Butte and the sharp turn at Goose Neck. High vantage points such as Canyonlands Overlook and Anticline Overlook provide orientation across the expansive Hatch Point plateau, while scattered signs of mineral exploration, including an Adit and several Prospect sites, dot the high mesas.