Swaseys Leap, Utah

Swasey Brothers appear in history

Three Swasey brothers chose to live in San Rafael Swell, a dry, tough place to survive. A wager was placed that the horse and rider could jump over a deep crevice. The place is a grotto now with water from the San Rafael river feeding trees and greenery. Other Swasey names are in the area. Sometimes the name is spelled differently. People who made their living catching wild horses and selling them may not have needed to spell.

Getting there:

Start on I-70 exit 131 and travel easterly on a good dirt road. The road quality goes downhill but the scenery becomes fantastic. Beautiful red rocks and named features are ahead. I parked my car at the BLM sign saying Leap 6.5 miles and walked both ways. About halfway in a wrecked family car remains from years ago. How did it arrive? Not much elevation gained or lost. Some of the distant rocks may be the same ones seen from Highway 6 north of Green River, Utah? Really tough guys will choose the Black Box hikes in this same area.