1953 Map of Temple Mtn

About this map

Temple Mtn serves as a prominent landmark in this mid-century survey of the San Rafael Swell, where industrial extraction and natural erosional wonders meet. The map reveals a cluster of tunnels and shafts near the mountain, reflecting the era's uranium prospecting and mining activity, often coordinated with the Atomic Energy Commission. To the south, the intricate topography of Goblin Valley begins to take shape alongside striking formations like Mollys Castle and Little Gilson Butte. The landscape is defined by the Sinbad and Reef regions, where water sources are scarce, marked primarily by scattered catchments such as Farnsworth Tanks and Mormon Tanks. A lone Landing Strip and various jeep trails provide the only modern access through the winding washes and canyons of the San Rafael Desert.