1985 Map of Warren Canyon

About this map

Dark Canyon Wilderness and the surrounding Manti-La Sal National Forest dominate this San Juan County landscape, defined by a complex network of high plateaus and deep drainage systems. The topography transitions from the elevated Dark Canyon Plateau in the north toward the distinct prominence of Dry Mesa to the south. This 1985 survey illustrates the primitive infrastructure of the region, where travel is limited to a singular Trail and primitive routes following the natural contours of the land. Vital water sources like Sweet Alice Spring and Cooper Spring provide the only named relief in this arid environment. The map details the geologically varied terrain of the Sweet Alice Hills and the deep cuts of Woodenshoe Canyon and Youngs Canyon, showing the area just as it was being formally managed under wilderness protection.