August 29: Moab, UT. Dead Horse Point State Park and Canyonlands

In my previous post I mentioned the scenic drive we took yesterday afternoon.  Here are some photos:


This wall of rocks starts right outside of Moab and continues approximately 14 miles



Just a little blurred out the window, but you get the idea!



It was interesting to be so close to the rocks and see just how many have fallen or ready to fall!

So today was another early start as it was supposed to be hot again.  We drive 45 minutes to Dead Horse Point State Park and were at the park at 6:45 am.   


I had seen a similar photo in a brochure and thought Phil would like this park.  





One of many taken by Phil



 There were numerous photographers all waiting for the sun to light the canyon  We spend 2 hours walking around the rim.


Not to many people were taking panoramic views.






It's hard to pick just a few!


 I was curious how the park got it's name.  "The Legend Of Dead Horse Point"  Before the turn of the century, mustang herds ran wild on the mesas near Dead Horse Point. The unique promontory provided a natural corral into which the horses were driven by cowboys. The only escape was through a narrow, 30-yard neck of land controlled by fencing. Mustangs were then roped and broken, with the better ones being kept for personal use or sold to eastern markets. Unwanted culls of "broomtails" were left behind to find their way off the Point.  According to one legend, a band of broomtails was left corralled on the Point. The gate was supposedly left open so the horses could return to the open range. For some unknown reason, the mustangs remained on the Point. There they died of thirst within sight of the Colorado River, 2,000 feet below.

So now we know how the park got its name.  I also was taking photos but nothing as spectacular as Phil's.



Not your usual park bathroom!




Cleaning equipment!



On the edge with his camera



From there we drove just down the road to Canyonlands Nat'l Park.  This park is over 300,000 acres and
is known for its canyons, mesas and buttes by the Colorado River and its tributaries. The rivers divide the park into four districts: the Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze and the rivers themselves. We were at Island in the Sky.

You may have noticed I changed my headings on each post.  I found it to confusing to number the days we have been gone.  So much easier just to list the date!

So ends another day. Tomorrow we pack up and head to Natural Bridges National Monument near Blanding, UT.