Doug's Point

Doug's Point

(Thompson Springs, Grand County) This may seem like just a simple pile of rocks on the edge of a butte, but the story behind it is pretty cool. The pile honors a man named Doug Merrill, who lived in the small town of Thompson Springs. You can see Thompson Springs below from the edge of the little bluff (butte?) Doug's Point is located on. 

Thompson Springs as seen from Doug's Point

This spot was a favorite of Doug's and gave him the peace and quiet he loved throughout his life. He worked in a uranium mine west of nearby Green River, but it was this spot he always wanted to go to after work. This is where he married his wife Laurie and where they often visited with friends and family. After his death in 1984, this spot was re-named in his honor. It might not be an official government declaration, but out here, it's good enough. A plaque was put in this spot to honor Doug. It reads "In memory of Douglas Harvey Merrell. Son, Husband, father. Feb. 22, 1957 - Sept. 7, 1984. This location to be known as Doug's Point." Sounds official enough to me.

The plaque designating this spot as "Doug's Point"

The views are breathtaking. You can see I-80, the LaSal Mountains, and if you know where to look, even some of the formations of Arches National Park. For those of you scared of heights, it's about a 1000 foot drop to the bottom. I'm definitely not a fan of heights. Neither is my friend John Wilson. Kylie and I went with John and Jessica Wilson to Doug's Point and he crawled on his belly to look over the edge. I didn't even go that far, although I would be interested to see what that drop looks like from above. 

John Wilson on his belly to look over the 1000 foot drop

For those who knew Doug and continue to visit this spot, it's a tradition to put a new rock on the pile during every visit. I didn't know Doug, but I put an extra rock on the pile just to say hi. This spot doesn't get a lot of visitors because it's not on any official tourism brochures or information pamphlets, but there's a chance you'll see some people having a picnic here. It's a nice, peaceful place to just watch the clouds go by and the little cars in the distance making their way on I-80. 

Doug's Point with a wind sock in the background

To get here, from Thompson Springs, take Thompson Canyon Road into the canyon. It's paved until about 3 miles in, where it turns to dirt at some gorgeous petroglyphs. About another mile in, turn left onto Thompson Bench Rd. It's all up hill dirt roads from here, but it's pretty easy. 2.2 miles later, make a left into another dirt road. Doug's Point is 2 miles from here. In all, it takes maybe a half hour from Thompson Springs. Doug's Point is also on Google Maps, just make sure you set your GPS while in Thompson Springs because you'll lose cell coverage once you get into the canyon a little bit.

One of the dirt roads leading to Doug's Point

High clearance vehicles are definitely a good idea, but I bet you could make this drive in dry conditions with a normal car if you take it easy. My Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk has 4-wheel drive, but I didn't need it for this trip. I never put it into 4-wheel drive for this trip. However, if you visit just after a heavy rainstorm, you might need 4-wheel drive in the mud. My friends John and Jessica drove their Ford Bronco and messed around with its 4-wheel drive and GOAT mode, but we were just fine making our way on the dirt. There are some deep ruts and rocks you'll have to pass, and even a one section that's a blind incline, but nothing too challenging. If anything, you'll feel like an off-roader :)

The Wilson's Bronco following my Jeep. As it should be.

We brought our dog Timber along for this adventure. The Wilson's brought their dogs Molly and Dolly. They're fine to run around, but we kept them on leash when we were near Doug's Point because it's so close to the edge. Better safe than sorry. Make sure you bring water for them because we didn't notice any little streams or ponds in the area. In the summer, it gets hot up here in the summer months with very little shade.

Timber at Doug's Point

Jessica Wilson with Molly and Dolly at Doug's Point

I think this place is definitely worth a visit if you are in the area. In all, depending on how long you stay at Doug's Point, you could leave Thompson Springs and easily be back in an hour and a half. It's a nice trip to eat lunch at the top. The little gas station in Thompson Springs has hot dogs, drinks, and anything else you'd find in a typical gas station. It's a unique memorial to honor a man in a very beautiful place. If you visit, say hi to Doug and maybe put another rock on his pile. I like to think he would be happy with that.

COORDINATES:

38.985409, -109.721002

Kylie and I at Doug's Point

Looking West towards Green River, Utah. You can see I-80 in the top left

Looking East towards Grand Junction, Colorado