We've been disturbed by such a name as Dead Horse Point State Park given the believed talke of....
According to legend, the point, with it's 30 yard wide neck, was used as a natural corral by 19th century cowboys. Apparently, at one time, the corral was abandoned, gate left open, with unwanted cull horses still inside. Not all of the horses left the point, dying of thirst in view of the Colorado River 2000 feet below.
However....
A more likely explanation is that Dead Horse Point was named by early Mormon Pioneers for a rock formation at the base of the plateau that looks like a dead white horse laying on its side. In this explanation, the legend of the dead horses in the corral was created by a Moab elementary school student in the early 20th century for a "chamber-of-commerce" type contest for a story to lure tourists.
So...we've decided to call this entry Horse Point instead....nicer picture in our minds.
Anyway.....it's a fantastic overlook of the Colorado River meanderings....watch the movie.
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| Colorado River meandering |
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| With some people in the foreground for perspective |
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| Blue "lakes" are Potash pits |
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| See the jeep trails ? |
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| Watch this movie |
Turns out, the Colorado River meandered long ago. Then, when the Colorado Plateau raised up, the carving just got deeper but the paths were already set.
The road leading up there was also scenic...as you can see from these photos:[
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| Drill shafts to make the road |
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| Close up |
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| More of a closeup |
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| These are call the Merrimac and the Monitor |
...and of course, some nature shots and people....and Katie!
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| Gnarled Juniper Tree |
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| Goofy tourist |
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| Catching some breez |
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| All tuckered out |
Steve and Kim and Katie
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