The San Rafael Reef Wilderness Study Area serves as a major geologic feature in Utah, characterized by a nearly north-south trending hogback that dips steeply eastward. Located on the eastern edge of the San Rafael Swell, the area is composed of vertical fins, domes, and canyons ranging from 200 to 1,000 feet deep.
Varied elevations in the area
Elevations within the study area vary from 4,800 feet at the eastern base of the Reef to 6,600 feet in its northern and central portions.
Wildlife and local plant life
The landscape consists primarily of barren rock and pinyon-juniper woodlands. Various wildlife species frequent the wilderness study area, including bald eagles, golden eagles, peregrine falcons, cougars, and desert bighorn sheep.
The area may also host specific protected plant life, including two endangered species, the Wright fishhook cactus and Maguire daisy, as well as two threatened species, Jones cyclodenia and Last Chance townsendia.
How to access monitoring areas
Visitors traveling from Price can access monitoring areas by driving south on Highway 6 to the I-70 intersection, then heading west on I-70 for about 8 miles. After taking exit 149 and turning south onto Highway 24, travelers can reach the Three Finger Canyon access point via the Hatt’s Ranch bypass dirt route.
Details on the bypass route
The bypass route extends 6.4 miles eastward to reach the Three Finger Canyon trailhead.
Important vehicle and terrain warnings
Officials advise that access routes to the canyons consist of very rough terrain and necessitate the use of high-clearance 4WD vehicles. Because these routes may be impassable or washed out, visitors may need to park at a distance and proceed on foot.
