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1952 Map of Wild Horse

Name: 1952 Topographic Map of Wild Horse
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1957
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1957

About this map

The San Rafael Swell dominates this mid-century topographic survey, revealing a landscape of profound geological folding and erosion at the boundary of Emery and Wayne counties. The dramatic uplift of the San Rafael Reef creates a natural barrier in the southeastern portion of the quadrangle, pierced only by drainage systems like Little Wild Horse Canyon. Water management in this arid environment is evidenced by features such as Cistern Tanks, Bullberry Spring, and scattered livestock reservoirs on the plateau.

Remote grazing lands and seasonal camps are connected by a network of jeep trails and primary trails traversing McKay Flat and Keesle Country. The map details the intricate canyon systems including Penitentiary Canyon and Reds Canyon, where narrow passages and vertical relief defined the movement of early ranchers and prospectors. Significant landmarks like Tomaich Butte and The Dike serve as navigational anchors across the high desert terrain.