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2020 Map of Twin Knolls

Name: 2020 Topographic Map of Twin Knolls
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2020
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2020

About this map

The San Rafael Swell defines this high desert landscape in Emery County, where water is a precious and named resource. Modern infrastructure like Temple Mt Rd cuts through the desert, yet the map retains traces of traditional land use through the naming of localized water sources. Clusters of depressions and catchments such as the Crawford Holes, Charley Holes, and Cottonwood Holes suggest the importance of these sites for livestock or local travel across the arid flats. Significant topographic features including Lone Man Butte, Block Mtn, and the titular Twin Knolls provide natural landmarks for navigation.

Erosion has carved a complex network of drainages across the territory, from the narrow Ernie Canyon to broad features like Indian Flat and Paige Flat. These naming conventions, particularly the inclusion of specific sites like Lone Parson Hole and the Reid Neilson Draw, reflect a history of individual movement and ranching in this corner of the Utah desert. The presence of The Big Pond and State Pond marks the few permanent or semi-permanent water bodies in an otherwise dry drainage system that eventually feeds into Straight Wash and North Temple Wash.