Dead Horse Point State Park in Utah is named after a legend that dates back to the 19th century. The point is a narrow piece of land surrounded by steep cliffs, with only a narrow neck of land connecting it to the main plateau. According to the legend, cowboys used the point to corral wild mustangs in the 1800s. They would herd the horses across the narrow neck and onto the point, which naturally enclosed the horses with its sheer cliffs, preventing their escape. After selecting the best horses, the cowboys would leave, closing off the neck with brush and branches to keep the remaining horses from following.

The name “Dead Horse Point” is said to originate from an event where a group of mustangs were left corralled on the waterless point and died of thirst within view of the Colorado River, 2,000 feet below. This tragic story, whether myth or fact, has given the park its poignant name. Today, Dead Horse Point State Park offers breathtaking views of the Colorado River and Canyonlands National Park, making it a popular destination for visitors seeking the beauty and history of the American Southwest.