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The
Legend Of Dead Horse Point:
Dead Horse Point is a peninsula of rock atop sheer sandstone
cliffs. The peninsula is connected to a mesa by a narrow strip of
land called the neck. There are many stories about how this high
promontory of land received its name. According to one legend,
around the turn of the century the point was used as a corral for wild
mustangs roaming the mesa top. Cowboys rounded up these horses,
herded them across the narrow neck of land and onto the point. The
neck, which is only 30 - yards-wide, was then fenced off with branches and
brush. This created a natural corral surrounded by precipitous
cliffs, affording no escape. Cowboys then chose the horses they
wanted and let the culls or broomtails go free. One time, for some
unknown reason, horses were left corralled on the waterless point where
they died of thirst within view of the Colorado River, 2,000 feet
below.
Activities:
Interpretive exhibits at the visitors center include informational
displays about canyon country geology, local plants and animals,
prehistoric cultures and park history. Videos are available for
viewing upon request. A self guided nature walk around the visitor
center educates visitors about the plants, animals, geology and the park
environment. Rangers present interpretive programs each evening in
the visitors center amphitheater from May through September. A
Junior Ranger program is offered for young visitors who want to learn more
about the park and earn a Junior Ranger badge. Ten miles of hiking
trails in the park include two adjoining loops around the rim and several
spurs to beautiful view points.
For updated park information contact:
Dead Horse Point State Park
P.O. Box 609
Moab, UT 84532-0609
Phone: (435) 259-2614
Click
Here For Online Camping Reservations.
Service Provided By Reserve America.
Information Courtesy Of
Utah
State Parks And Recreation | 
