Perched high above the Colorado River, Dead Horse Point State Park offers one of the most dramatic canyon viewpoints in Utah. From the main overlook, the river makes a tight horseshoe bend nearly 2,000 feet (610 m) below, wrapping around a massive rock peninsula before continuing toward Canyonlands.
Despite the scale of the view, Dead Horse Point is surprisingly easy to visit. The park sits directly along UT-313, the same road that leads from Moab to Canyonlands National Park’s Island in the Sky district, making it a natural stop before or after exploring Canyonlands.
Because the park is compact and most viewpoints sit just a short walk from the parking areas, many visitors find that one to two hours is enough to experience the highlights. Whether you’re stopping briefly for the famous overlook or lingering for a sunset view over the Colorado River canyon, Dead Horse Point is one of the most rewarding short detours in the Moab area.
In this guide, we’ll cover how to plan a quick visit, what to see, and how to combine Dead Horse Point with Canyonlands for an efficient and memorable day.
Dead Horse Point State Park – At a Glance
One of Utah’s most dramatic viewpoints – The main overlook sits roughly 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, offering a sweeping view of the canyon and the river’s famous horseshoe bend.
Easy to combine with Canyonlands – The park lies directly along UT-313, about 15 minutes before the Canyonlands (Island in the Sky) entrance, making it an ideal stop on the same trip.
Compact and easy to explore – Most visitors can see the main viewpoints and walk part of the rim trail in 1–2 hours, making it one of the easiest scenic stops near Moab.
Excellent sunset location – The canyon walls and winding Colorado River glow in the warm evening light, making Dead Horse Point one of the best sunset spots in the region.
Short scenic trails – Several easy rim trails allow you to explore additional viewpoints beyond the main overlook while enjoying continuous canyon views.
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Dead Horse Point State Park – Location and Map
Dead Horse Point State Park is located in eastern Utah, about 35 minutes west of Moab along Utah State Route 313, the scenic road that climbs onto the high desert plateau overlooking the Colorado River canyon system.
Because the park occupies a relatively small area, navigation inside the park is straightforward. A short scenic road branches off the entrance station and leads directly to the main overlook, several additional viewpoints, picnic areas, and access points for the rim trails.
How to Get to Dead Horse Point State Park
Dead Horse Point State Park is best reached by car, as there is no public transportation serving the park. The entrance is located along Utah State Route 313, the scenic road that climbs west from U.S. Highway 191 across the desert plateau north of Moab.
From Moab, the drive takes about 35 minutes, passing through open desert landscapes before reaching the park entrance. The final stretch of road leads onto a narrow mesa surrounded by deep canyon systems carved by the Colorado River.
All roads leading to and within the park are fully paved and suitable for standard vehicles. Once inside the park, a short scenic road connects the entrance station to the main overlook, picnic areas, and trailheads.
Driving Times to Dead Horse Point State Park
- Moab, UT: 35 minutes / 23 miles (37 km)
- Arches National Park: 45 minutes / 28 miles (45 km)
- Canyonlands (Island in the Sky): 15 minutes / 10 miles (16 km)
These times assume clear weather and normal traffic conditions.
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Entrance Fees for Dead Horse Point State Park
Dead Horse Point is part of the Utah State Parks system, not the National Park Service. As a result, National Park passes such as the America the Beautiful pass are not valid here.
Entrance Fees
Private vehicle (up to 8 people): $20
Motorcycle: $10
The entrance fee is valid for one day and can be paid at the park entrance station or self-pay kiosk when staff are not present.
Utah State Parks Annual Pass
Utah residents and frequent visitors may consider the Utah State Parks annual pass, which provides unlimited entry to all state parks for one year. However, most travelers visiting the Moab area for a short trip simply pay the standard day-use fee.
Dead Horse Point State Park – Access, Navigation, Parking & Facilities
Park Opening Hours: Dead Horse Point State Park is open year-round, generally from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., though hours may vary slightly by season.
Visitor Center: The Dead Horse Point Visitor Center is located near the park entrance and serves as the main orientation point for visitors. Inside, you’ll find exhibits on the region’s geology, wildlife, and human history, along with maps, ranger information, and a small gift shop. Just outside the visitor center, a short path leads to an overlook of the Colorado River canyon below.
Park Navigation: Dead Horse Point is compact and easy to navigate. A single paved road runs roughly 5 miles (8 km) from the entrance station to Dead Horse Point Overlook at the end of the mesa. Most viewpoints and trailheads branch off from this road.
Parking: Large paved parking areas are located at the visitor center and Dead Horse Point Overlook, as well as at several trailheads along the rim. Parking is generally easier to find than in nearby national parks, though the main overlook can become busy around sunset.
Picnicking / Day Use / Restrooms: Restrooms are available at the visitor center and at Dead Horse Point Overlook. Several scenic picnic areas are located throughout the park.
Camping: Dead Horse Point State Park offers a modern campground with tent and RV sites, as well as several yurts that can be reserved in advance. The campground sits near the visitor center and provides easy access to the park’s trail network.
Dead Horse Point State Park – Some Quick Facts
Establishment: Dead Horse Point became a Utah State Park in 1959, protecting one of the most dramatic viewpoints of the Colorado River canyon system.
Landscape: The park sits atop a narrow mesa surrounded by steep canyon walls carved by the Colorado River. From the rim, visitors can see a massive rock peninsula nearly encircled by a tight bend in the river.
Elevation: The overlook sits roughly 5,900 feet (1,800 m) above sea level and about 2,000 feet (610 m) above the Colorado River below.
How the Park Got Its Name: According to local legend, cowboys once used the narrow neck of the mesa as a natural corral for wild horses. Horses would be driven onto the point and trapped behind a simple fence. While the animals were eventually removed, some were reportedly left behind without water and died on the point, giving rise to the name Dead Horse Point.
How to Spend 1–2 Hours in Dead Horse Point State Park
Dead Horse Point is compact, making it easy to experience the park’s highlights in a relatively short visit.
Stop at the Visitor Center
Begin your visit at the visitor center, where a short paved path leads to an overlook of the Colorado River canyon below. It’s a quick introduction to the landscape and a good place to orient yourself before exploring the rest of the park.
Drive to Dead Horse Point Overlook
From the visitor center, continue driving to the end of the road to reach Dead Horse Point Overlook, the park’s most famous viewpoint. From here, you’ll see the Colorado River looping tightly around a massive rock peninsula nearly 2,000 feet below.
Walk the 2 km Rim Loop
From the main overlook at Dead Horse Point, a short 2 km (1.2 mile) loop connects portions of the East Rim and West Rim Trails, allowing visitors to explore the most scenic sections of the mesa without committing to a longer hike. This loop is generally easy and mostly flat (ignore the elevation information in the graph below; it’s way off), following a well-defined path that alternates between compact dirt and small sections of exposed slickrock.
What makes this walk so rewarding is that the views are almost continuous. The trail hugs the edge of the mesa for much of its length, offering unobstructed perspectives into the vast canyon system carved by the Colorado River.
Along the west-facing sections of the trail, the landscape opens toward the park’s most iconic view: the Colorado River meander looping tightly around the massive rock peninsula below Dead Horse Point. From different vantage points along the rim, you’ll see the river bend in dramatic curves as it winds through the canyon nearly 2,000 feet below.
The east-facing sections of the loop reveal a different perspective. Here, the view stretches across a maze of sandstone cliffs, mesas, and deep side canyons, with the distant high desert plateau fading into the horizon. These viewpoints feel slightly quieter than the main overlook and provide a broader sense of the scale of the surrounding landscape.
Because the terrain is relatively gentle and the viewpoints change frequently, this loop offers one of the best effort-to-reward ratios around Moab. It’s an ideal way to experience Dead Horse Point beyond the main overlook while still keeping your visit short and relaxed.
Additional Ideas if You Have More Time
If you have extra time, several longer walks and viewpoints allow you to explore more of the mesa.
Walk the Full East and West Rim Trails
The full East and West Rim Trail loop covers about 9 km (5.5 miles) and typically takes 2.5–3 hours. The trail follows the edge of the mesa for most of its length, offering continuous views into the Colorado River canyon.
One-Way Rim Trail Hike
If you have two vehicles, you can hike one rim trail in a single direction by parking at the visitor center and Dead Horse Point overlook.
The East Rim Trail is shorter but accesses fewer viewpoints and is slightly less dramatic than the West Rim side.
Extend the Short Loop Toward the West Rim
Another option is to combine the 2 km loop with a short out-and-back extension along the West Rim Trail. Walking farther along the rim reveals additional viewpoints overlooking the Colorado River meander and Shafer Canyon. This option typically results in a 4–5 km walk, offering more views without committing to the full rim loop.
Pairing Dead Horse Point with Canyonlands
Because Dead Horse Point sits along the same road leading to Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky district, the two parks are very easy to combine into a single outing from Moab.
A popular approach is to visit Canyonlands first, then stop at Dead Horse Point on the return drive to Moab. After exploring Canyonlands’ scenic drive, viewpoints, and short hikes, Dead Horse Point makes for a relaxing final stop where you can enjoy the sweeping Colorado River views without having to hike extensively (unless you want to, of course). Dead Horse Point is especially appealing late in the day, when the canyon walls glow in the warm late afternoon and evening light.
For more ideas on planning a visit to Island in the Sky, see our Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky) Guide.
Best Time to Visit Dead Horse Point State Park
Spring and fall generally offer the most comfortable conditions, with mild temperatures that make walking the rim trails enjoyable. These seasons also provide excellent visibility across the canyon landscape.
Summer brings very hot daytime temperatures, often exceeding 95°F (35°C). Because the rim trails are mostly exposed, it’s best to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon during the warmer months.
Winter is quieter and can be surprisingly beautiful, especially when light snow highlights the red rock formations and canyon walls.
Regardless of the season, late afternoon and around sunset are widely considered the best times of day to visit. The low evening light accentuates the canyon’s depth and color, making the famous Colorado River bend below Dead Horse Point particularly dramatic. Alternatively, few come here in the early morning, preferring to head to Mesa Arch in Canyonlands for sunrise and early morning photography, meaning that you are likely to find more solitude if visiting in the early morning.
Where to Stay Near Dead Horse Point State Park
Most visitors exploring Dead Horse Point State Park choose to stay in the nearby town of Moab, located about 35 minutes away. Moab serves as the main gateway for the region’s major attractions, including Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky).
Despite being a relatively small desert town, Moab offers a wide range of accommodations, from modern hotels and boutique lodges to campgrounds and vacation rentals. Staying in Moab also provides convenient access to restaurants, grocery stores, outdoor outfitters, and guided tours.
Below are several well-located hotel options that provide comfortable bases for exploring Dead Horse Point and the surrounding canyon country.
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Moab
Best for: Comfortable, reliable mid-range stay with strong value
La Quinta offers a familiar, dependable experience with spacious rooms, a large outdoor pool, and complimentary breakfast. It’s located along the main highway entering Moab, about 10 minutes from the Arches entrance.
Why it works well:
- Good value relative to other Moab hotels
- Large parking area (useful for larger vehicles or road trips)
- Easy access in and out of town
This is a solid choice for families, road trippers, or anyone prioritizing comfort and practicality.
Best for: Modern amenities close to Arches
Wingate is one of the newer properties in Moab and sits slightly north of town, closer to the entrance of Arches. Rooms are modern and well-appointed, and amenities include a pool, fitness center, and free breakfast.
Why it stands out:
- Shorter drive to Arches (ideal for early starts)
- Newer build with a contemporary feel
- Reliable comfort without boutique pricing
If your priority is minimizing drive time into the park, this is one of the most convenient options.
Best for: Outdoor-focused travelers and an adventure vibe
Field Station blends hotel comfort with a gear-friendly, adventure-oriented design. The property includes communal gathering spaces, bike storage, and a laid-back atmosphere that caters to hikers, climbers, and mountain bikers.
Why people love it:
- Clean, minimalist rooms
- Social outdoor areas
- Feels aligned with the Moab adventure culture
It’s ideal if you want something more distinctive than a traditional chain hotel without sacrificing comfort.
A Quick Planning Tip
Moab fills quickly during spring and fall, especially March through May and October, so booking in advance is strongly recommended. Summer availability is often easier, but rates can still be high during peak travel periods.
Dead Horse Point State Park – Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you need at Dead Horse Point State Park?
Most visitors spend 1–2 hours in the park. This allows enough time to visit the main overlook and walk part of the rim trail. If you plan to explore the full East and West Rim Trails, you may want to allow 4–5 hours.
Is Dead Horse Point worth visiting if you are already going to Canyonlands?
Yes. While Canyonlands offers vast canyon panoramas, Dead Horse Point provides a closer and more dramatic view of the Colorado River, which loops tightly around a rock peninsula far below the overlook. The two parks complement each other well and are easy to visit on the same trip.
Can you see Dead Horse Point without hiking?
Yes. The main overlook sits just a short walk from the parking area, making it accessible to most visitors. Walking even a small portion of the rim trail provides additional viewpoints along the canyon edge.
Is Dead Horse Point better for sunrise or sunset?
Both can be beautiful, but sunset is generally considered the best time to visit. The warm evening light highlights the canyon walls and the winding Colorado River below.
Does the America the Beautiful National Parks Pass work at Dead Horse Point?
No. Dead Horse Point is part of the Utah State Parks system, so national park passes are not valid. Visitors must pay the state park entrance fee.
Can you combine Dead Horse Point and Canyonlands in one day?
Yes. Because the parks are located along the same road, many visitors explore Canyonlands (Island in the Sky) first and then stop at Dead Horse Point on the way back to Moab.
Is Canyonlands crowded?
Canyonlands generally feels less crowded than nearby Arches National Park, even during peak travel seasons. Popular spots such as Mesa Arch at sunrise can still become busy, but most viewpoints remain relatively uncrowded.
Explore More Utah National & State Park Guides
Continue exploring Utah with these detailed guides:
Zion National Park Guide
Capitol Reef National Park Guide
Goblin Valley State Park Guide
Monument Valley Guide
Arches National Park
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Well, that wraps it up! We hope you enjoyed our Deadhorse State Park Guide and that it will prove useful for planning your trip.
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