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Day 48 - Dead Horse Point

Cowboys used to corral horses beyond the narrow neck of this high point overlooking the Colorado River.  They would then fence them in and when they returned take the strongest horses and leave the weaker ones to die without water at this to-be-named Dead Horse Point State Park. Terrible name and story, great views. 

500 feet higher in elevation than the just-across-the-canyon Canyonlands Island in the Sky, Dead Horse Point does have a must-see view of the mighty Colorado and vast canyons behind. I arrived mid-afternoon and hiked the east rim trail a mile and a half to the far point, meandered along the west rim a bit and then hiked back along the road. 

Knowing sunset time was special in this canyon country, I decided to wait a bit for the sun to fall. I drove this time to the far point, then walked around in search of the best vantage point. 

Before the sun actually set, I drove on, first to a full closeby campground and then on an hour to Moab, to the campground from the prior days. Surprised that this 128 unit campground was full and disappointed as it was definitely dark, I pulled up a free campsite location on GPS down the highway outside of town and drove. I arrived at this dirt open space just off the highway, just before a gate leading to an off-road track. I didn't love the spot as it was exposed and near the highway, but it would have to do for the night.






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  1. @estheribrownMay 12, 2015 at 5:28 AM

    Not sure if my last comment posted --- just wanted to say I love these photos and am inspired by your adventures!

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    Replies
    1. LeeMay 20, 2015 at 4:09 PM

      Hey Esther- yes, comment received! I'm glad you enjoy the blog. I remember you said you had a things for small spaces living- a passenger van fits that bill!

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