Canyonlands National Park and the area surrounding it is a view into millions of years of geological forces in conflict. Seeing the layers different types and densities of sandstone eroded away by the forces of nature over the eons makes the visitor ponder the infinities. A number of vistas and overlooks can be found in the area to look down on the confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers, and many are similar, but of the ones my friends Van, Bill, and I visited, none were as impressive as Dead Horse Point.
Legend has it that a century or more ago, cowboys would drive wild mustangs out onto the point, which is access by a passage only about 30 feet wide. They would then gate the entrance with brush to prevent the horses from escaping. Then they would bring the favored animals out to be domesticated, while leaving the unwanted individuals trapped on the cliff to die of thirst, in view of the Colorado River 2,000 feet below. It's really an evil thought and one can only hope that it is more legend than reality, but we will probably never know the truth.
Even with such a dark stain on the location, the view is amazing. Seeing the river snake through and carve the canyons below is truly an amazing experience.
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