Dead Horse Point State Park

How to Get There

From Moab: Head west on E Center St toward N Main St. Turn right onto US-191 N/N Main St. Turn left onto UT-313 W. Turn left to stay on UT-313 W.

Overview

Dead Horse Point State Park has a dramatic overlook of the Colorado River's goosenecks, 2,000 feet below, and Canyonlands National Park beyond, on a mesa near Moab, 5,362 acres in all. It was used in the last scene of Thelma & Louise (1991). The park opened to the public in 1959 and is managed by Utah State Parks. According to legend, 19th-century cowboys used the narrow neck of the mesa as a natural corral for wild horses, and the name comes from horses that died there. Today it is known for its sweeping views, sunrise and sunset photography, a network of mountain biking trails and its status as an International Dark Sky Park.

Access

The park is on a high mesa at about 5,900 feet, roughly 33 miles from Moab. From Moab, drive north on US-191 and turn left (west) onto UT-313, the Dead Horse Point Mesa Scenic Byway, which is paved and leads to the park entrance; the same road continues to the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park, so the two are easily combined. The park is open daily from 6am to 10pm, and a day-use entrance fee is collected at the gate. Gas, food and medical care are in Moab, so fill up before you go, and bring water for hikes since the park is in the high desert. Dogs are allowed on trails and in the campground but must be leashed.

Seasons

Spring and fall are the most popular seasons, with mild days that are comfortable for hiking, biking and photography, though weekends can be busy. Summers are hot, so early morning and evening are the best times to be on the rim, and the sunrise and sunset light is outstanding year-round. Winter is cold and quiet, with occasional snow and ice and a good chance of clear air and uncrowded overlooks. The park stays open all year, and its dark skies make stargazing a highlight in every season, with ranger-led night programs offered on some evenings. The visitor center is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Things to Do

Experience One of Utah's Most Iconic Canyon Country Views

Dead Horse Point State Park is famous for its breathtaking overlooks of the Colorado River and the dramatic canyon landscapes of southeastern Utah. Perched more than 2,000 feet above a bend in the river, the park offers some of the most spectacular panoramic views in the American Southwest and is often considered one of Utah's premier scenic destinations.

Visit the Dead Horse Point Overlook

The park's signature attraction is Dead Horse Point Overlook, where visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the Colorado River winding through deep red-rock canyons below. The overlook provides one of the most photographed vistas in Utah and is especially stunning at sunrise and sunset.

Explore Colorado Plateau Geology

The park showcases millions of years of geological history through its colorful layers of sandstone, shale, and rock formations. Visitors can learn about the natural forces that shaped the canyons, mesas, buttes, and cliffs of the Colorado Plateau.

Experience Mountain Biking and Outdoor Recreation

The park offers an extensive network of hiking and mountain biking trails that provide access to scenic overlooks, desert landscapes, and remote areas of the park. The nearby Moab region also makes Dead Horse Point a popular stop for adventurers exploring southeastern Utah.

Top Trails

East Rim Trail

Length: Approximately 5 miles one way
Elevation Gain: Approximately 200 feet
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

This scenic trail follows the eastern edge of the mesa and provides numerous viewpoints overlooking the Colorado River canyon system. It is ideal for hikers seeking expansive views and excellent photography opportunities.

West Rim Trail

Length: Approximately 4 miles one way
Elevation Gain: Approximately 300 feet
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

The West Rim Trail traverses the western side of the park and connects several overlooks. Visitors enjoy dramatic canyon scenery, desert vegetation, and wide-open vistas throughout the hike.

Bighorn Overlook Trail

Length: Approximately 1 mile round trip
Elevation Gain: Approximately 236 feet
Difficulty: Easy

This short trail leads to a scenic overlook where visitors can enjoy views of the Colorado River corridor and surrounding canyon country. Wildlife sightings, including desert bighorn sheep, occasionally occur in the area.

Dead Horse Point Overlook Trail

Length: Approximately 0.25 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy

A short accessible path leads to the park's most famous viewpoint. The overlook offers unparalleled views of the Colorado River's dramatic bend and the towering canyon cliffs that define the landscape.

Visitor Centers

The park’s visitor center, near the entrance and the start of the overlook trails, has exhibits on the geology, wildlife and human history of the area, a gift shop, restrooms and Wi-Fi, along with rangers who can recommend trails and explain current conditions. It is open daily and closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day, so check Utah State Parks for current hours. Bighorn Rentals operates at the mountain bike trailhead, offering bike rentals and tours, and reservations are recommended. You can reach the park at 435-259-2614.

Camping and Lodging

The park has two campgrounds and yurts on the mesa. Kayenta Campground has 21 RV sites with electricity and tent pads, while Wingate Campground has RV sites, hike-in tent-only sites and yurts, and the Moenkopi Yurts provide additional lodging. Reservations are made through the Utah State Parks reservation system and fill well in advance for spring and fall. Pets are not allowed in the Wingate Yurts but are permitted in the Moenkopi Yurts. Motels, hotels, vacation rentals and campgrounds are plentiful in Moab, about 30 to 40 minutes away, and Green River and Monticello offer additional options within about an hour and a half.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia article and official pages for stateparks.utah.gov, visitutah.com, Dead Horse Point State Park, released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0. Additional information from Utah State Parks.