Discovering Dead Horse Point State Park
- Date Visited: May 2021
- Address: UT-313, Moab, UT 84532
- Phone: (435) 259-2614
- Website
- Hours: 6 AM-10 PM Daily
- Price: $20 per vehicle for two consecutive days
- Pets: Yes
Dead Horse Point State Park was established in 1959 and is located just outside of Moab, Utah.
The park covers 5,362 acres of desert landscape including canyons and high desert woodlands. It has an altitude of 5,900 feet and from it’s miles of hiking trails you can view the Colorado River and Canyonlands National Park.
In 2016 it was recognized as an International Dark Sky Park.
The actual spot known as Dead Horse Point is located at the end of a mesa 2,000 feet above the Colorado River. The panoramic views of Canyonland National Parks’ pinnacles and buttes from this mesa are breathtaking.
There is a parking lot adjacent to the mesa that only requires a short walk to check out the view.
Just how did the park get its name?
Legend says in the late 1800’s the point was used as a corral for wild mustangs roaming the mesa top and surrounding area. Cowboys would herd the mustangs across the narrow 30-yard neck of land and onto the point. They would then fence off the horses with branches, brush, and rope.
According to this legend, one time the mustangs were left corralled on the waterless point and forgotten. All of them ended up dying of thirst while staring at the Colorado River 2,000 feet below.
Thus, Dead Horse Point was born.
The park features 8 miles of hiking trails including two joining loop trails. Short spur trails lead to eight different overlooks with incredible views located on the East Rim Trail and the West Rim Trail.
Leashed pets are welcome on all trails.
There is very little elevation gain as you navigate your way across the mesa top exploring the rimrock and desert plateau landscape of the park. Some of the spur trails do contain some steeper inclines and you will encounter short sections of slick rock, but nothing too difficult.
We hiked the East and West Rim Trails which is basically one giant loop.
I think it ended up being about 5 miles (estimating here) and that included doing all the spur trails except the Bighorn Overlook Spur Trail. That particular spur trail is 1.5 miles one way and we just did not feel like doing an extra 3 miles for one overlook.
Both trails start from the visitor center and you will pass Dead Horse Point on the hike so you are able to check out the view from there. It’s an easy trail to follow just keep an eye out for the rock cairns that mark the trail.
We enjoyed hiking the east side of the trail far more than the west side.
I just thought the views were better on that part of the trail. The views from most of the trail and overlooks are pretty great though and should not be missed. You can see for miles here and will be rewarded with some incredible sights.
I also recommend doing this hike as early as you can, because it gets hot here. We were there in early May and by 11 am it was quite toasty. There is hardly any shade on the actual trail so be sure to carry plenty of water.
If hiking isn’t your thing many overlooks have parking lots and only require a short walk to check them out.
The Intrepid Trail System can also be found in the park and contains 17 miles of single-track mountain bike trails.
The visitor center is open year-round from 9 am-5 pm. Information on the history, geology, and biology of the area can be discovered through exhibits in the center. Restrooms, water, and a gift shop are also available in the building.
The Visitor Center Nature Trail is a paved path that can be found just outside the Visitor Center.
It offers great views of the basin to the east, the La Sal Mountains and Chimney Rock. There are eight trail-side exhibits located on the trail with interpretive signs discussing some of the common desert plants and trees that can be found in the park.
There is also a display discussing the solar evaporation ponds that are used in the mining of salt and potash located within the park. These pools can be seen off in the distance from the hiking trail and they look pretty cool.
If you’re in the area exploring Moab, Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park you should swing by Dead Horse Point State Park as well. Though it wasn’t our favorite hiking adventure it still makes a great day trip and I have a feeling you won’t regret it.
Sunrises and sunsets are spectacular in the park. Since it’s an International Dark Sky Park stargazing is at it’s best here as well.
There are two campgrounds and a yurt area available to stay at inside the park. You can make reservations here.