Almost impassable for average motorists, the 75 mile long, kidney shaped San Rafael Swell was finally transformed by Interstate 70 construction. Although it's a steep climb to the top of the swell, modern day travel is a breeze when compared to what early settlers found along their route westward. Just to the north of this imposing fold passed the Old Spanish Old Spanish Trail, a well traveled trailway.
     San Rafael Swell, a geologic formation, is referred to as an anticline. Mostly made of sedimentary rock, the dome shaped structure was pushed upward millions of years ago; while erosion has been whittling away ever since. The eastern edge is the steepest side of the fold and presents a commanding view. The weather resistant sandstone rock creates some of the area's most dramatic features. This San Rafael Desert view was found along the interstate and shows why Utah's governor has proposed national monument status for the area.