1983 Map of Short Canyon

About this map

The Molen Reef and Coal Cliffs dominate this 1983 topographic study of the Emery County landscape, revealing a high-desert environment defined by complex water management. A series of catchment systems including Rochester Reservoir, Short Canyon Reservoir, and Lone Tree Reservoir dot the arid terrain, illustrating the infrastructure required for ranching and resource extraction in the region. Family and local history is anchored by landmarks like the John McDonald Hole and Hiram Corral Spring, which suggest early grazing patterns and settlement sites. To the south, the transition into the Sand Bench is marked by a series of washes and seeps, including Bitter Seep and Jensen Seep, while higher elevations like Cedar Ridge provide vantage points over the Dry Wash drainage network. This map captures the intersection of geological formations and the human effort to harness the limited water supply of the San Rafael Swell's western edge.