The Bureau of and Land Management (BLM) detailed the geological and biological significance of the San Rafael Reef Wilderness Study Area in a June 23, 2026, update regarding the National Conservation Lands in Utah. The area, which forms part of the eastern edge of the San Rafael Swell, features a prominent north-south trending hogback that dips steeply toward the east.
Geological landscape features
The Bureau of Land Management described the area as a major geologic feature within the state. The landscape is defined by a series of domes, vertical fins, and canyons that reach depths between 200 and 1,000 feet. These canyons drain eastward from the hogback structure.
Elevation levels in the area
Elevation levels within the Wilderness Study Area (WSA) fluctuate based on the location within the reef. The eastern base of the Reef sits at approximately 4,800 feet, while the central and northern portions of the area rise to elevations of 6,600 feet.
Vegetation and local wildlife
Vegetation throughout the WSA consists primarily of pinyon-juniper woodlands, though much of the landscape remains barren rock. This environment supports a variety of wildlife, including desert bighorn sheep, cougars, peregrine falcons, bald eagles, and golden eagles.
Sensitive and endangered plant species
The area is also a potential habitat for several sensitive plant species. According to BLM records, two endangered plant species—the Maguire daisy and Wright fishgood cactus—may exist within the WSA. Additionally, the area may host two threatened plant species, identified as Jones cyclodenia and Last Chance townsendia.
Directions for accessing monitoring areas
For those traveling from Price, the Bureau of Land Management provided specific directions for accessing the San Rafael Reef monitoring areas. Visitors can travel south on Highway 6 to the intersection with I-70, a distance of roughly 57 miles, before turning right onto I-70 and traveling west for approximately 8 miles.
Accessing the canyons requires exiting at 149 and turning south onto Highway 24. To reach the Three Finger Canyon access point, which serves as the closest access to I-70, travelers must head south on Highway 24 for about 3.5 miles before using a dirt route known as the Hatt’s Ranch bypass.
The BLM issued a visitor advisory regarding the difficulty of reaching certain parts of the WSA. The access routes into the canyons consist of very rough terrain and necessitate the use of high-clearance 4WD vehicles.
Because these access routes are subject to being washed out or otherwise rendered impassable, the Bureau noted that visitors may find it necessary to park further away from the Wilderness Study Area and complete their journey on foot.
