The name of the iconic vista overlooking the Colorado River near Moab, Utah, originates from a tragic, albeit unverified, anecdote concerning the area’s use as a horse corral in the late 19th century. The prevalent theory suggests that cowboys herded wild mustangs onto the narrow peninsula, intending to select and sell the best animals.
The story continues that, after the selected horses were removed, the remaining mustangs were left stranded without water. Surrounded by sheer cliffs and unable to escape, the horses perished from thirst within sight of the river below. The enduring impact of this grim episode, whether factual or legendary, is reflected in the site’s memorable and somewhat morbid designation. Historical accounts lack definitive confirmation of this precise event, yet the name has persisted, serving as a cautionary reminder of human impact on the natural environment.
