2011 Map of Steep Creek Bench

About this map

Steep Creek Bench dominates this Garfield County landscape, defined by a complex network of drainage systems and high-desert terrain. In the western portion of the quadrangle, the Long Neck ridge overlooks the Long Neck Cabin, one of the few named structures in this isolated territory. The hydrology is characterized by numerous seasonal and perennial flows including Steep Creek, Frisky Creek, and Deer Creek, which have carved deep features such as Slickrock Canyon and Cottonwood Canyon. To the east, the elevation rises sharply toward Impossible Peak, while the historic route of the Burr Trl winds through the southeastern corner. This survey documents the intersection of vital water sources and difficult topography, illustrating the physical barriers that have shaped land use and access in the region.