2020 Map of Sooner Bench

About this map

Hole In The Rock Rd serves as the primary artery through this high-desert landscape in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The map reveals a geologic transition where the Kaiparowits Plateau terminates at the formidable Straight Cliffs, overlooking a series of stepped elevations including Fiftymile Bench and Sooner Bench. Historical travel is evident through landmarks like Dance Hall Rock and Sunset Natural Bridge, which provided essential navigation points for early travelers. The complex drainage network is defined by deep incisions like Fortymile Gulch and Lake Canyon, supported by isolated water sources such as Cottonwood Spring and Soda Spring. This 2020 survey demonstrates the intersection of modern recreation and the enduring isolation of the Kane County backcountry.