Green River in Emery County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)

The San Rafael Swell

Photographed by Jeremy Snow, June 28, 2025

1. The San Rafael Swell Marker

Inscription. You are entering a spectacular but wild landscape, the San Rafael Swell. A massive, eroded anticline, the San Rafael Swell is 75 miles long and 30 miles wide. Its sandstone reefs, buttes, pinnacles, canyons, and cliffs are stunning, if a bit intimidating. This harsh land has attracted only the toughest, hardiest of people. Early river explorer, John Wesley Powell, described the region as "a land of desolation, dedicated forever to the geologist and artist, where civilization can find no resting place." Yet ancient Indian tribes, Mormon pioneers, cowboys, outlaws, prospectors, and miners all found a place here. Exploring the Swell off I-70 can be fascinating but dangerous to the novice. Be sure you have plenty of water, food, gasoline, and a reliable map. Hiring a guide is recommended. For traveler information contact 1-888-564-3600.

(photo caption) Powell's crew at Gunnison Butte. 1871.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Natural Features. A significant historical year for this entry is 1871.

Location. 38° 56.393′ N, 110° 28.976′ W. Marker is in Green River, Utah, in

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Emery County. It is on U.S. 50, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Green River UT 84525, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Canyon Country.

It is also in the American Mountain West,

on the Colorado Plateau,

and at the Four Corners.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 2 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Spotted Wolf Canyon (approx. 0.7 miles away); Crossing the River (approx. ¾ mile away).

Photographed by Jeremy Snow, June 28, 2025

2. The San Rafael Swell Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on July 25, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 24, 2025, by Jeremy Snow of Cedar City, Utah. This page has been viewed 102 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 24, 2025, by Jeremy Snow of Cedar City, Utah. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.