2023 Map of Whirlwind Draw

About this map

The San Juan River carves a deep path through this remote portion of San Juan County, winding its way through the San Juan Valley and the vast Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The landscape is defined by dramatic elevation changes, where the Clay Hills and the striking Red House Cliffs overlook the river corridor. This modern survey illustrates how traditional crossings and rugged access routes like the Clay Hills Crossing Road and the Whirlwind Crossing Rd continue to traverse the terrain, following historical paths through the Red Rock Plateau. Notable water features like Nancys Pool and the ephemeral Whirlwind Draw highlight the scarce but critical hydrologic points in this high desert environment, while the confluence of Oljato Wash from the south demonstrates the complex drainage network feeding the main river channel.