Montell Seely and his daughter Fawn are examining Sid's Leap.The San Rafael Swell is filled with legends of the Swasey Brothers, Charley, Sid, Rod and Joe, who were early ranchers on the Swell. Royal Swasey, son of Joe, tells the story, "One day Sid and Charley were in this area, and Charley bet Sid several head of cows that he couldn't jump his horse across the chasm. Sid proceeded to jump the chasm, and won the cattle. The location is now called 'Sid's Leap.'" The San Rafael River runs through the gorge in the Upper Black Box 65 feet below the ledge. The narrowest point at the top of the gorge is about 16 feet wide. It should be noted that Sid did not try to jump back across, but made the long journey around the gorge to the other side. Sid is the only one who ever attempted that feat. A wagon box was placed across the gorge at that narrow spot to allow sheep to cross to grazing areas on the otherside rather than go the many miles around the gorge. Later a makeshift wooden bridge was made, remnants of which are seen in this photograph. There is no sign of a bridge today and BLM has designated it as Wilderness Study area, so it cannot be reached easily.
