Here is the official history of this spot:
A Landmark in History - John Wesley Powell... The name along
invokes thoughts of adventure, bravery, exploration, and men pitted
against nature. Powell expeditions of 1869-1872 on the Green and
Colorado Rivers have sparked the imaginations of readers and river
runners for more than a hundred years. Powell's explorations were
more than adventures. They provided valuable information about
unmapped regions. Powell point was used as a landmark survey point
by the Powell Expedition. Powell Point dominates the landscape,
rising 10,188 feet (3,105 m) above sea level.
Now, the locals call this hill The Blues. I could never find out
or figure out why - maybe for some pioneer expedition got stuck in
this spot for days and were saddened and "blue" from the
experience, or maybe because of the grayish-blue color of the clay
hills nearby. I know of several car and motorcycle accidents on
this hill - it could be that.
The "Blues" is an appropriate name for me as well. When I moved
to Escalante in a past life this hill was the one spot that the
Jeep pulling the trailer almost didn't make it up, and one time
when I needed to get my drivers license renewed I left Escalante in
the sunshine and was turned back by a blinding blizzard at this
very spot.
So many reasons... I will leave it to you to decide.
Plenty of parking, a Forest Service approved SST (Sweet Smelling
Toilet) and a great vista to take in. Enjoy the hunt!