Dead Horse Point
Utah's Most Dramatic Overlook.
A 2,000-foot vertical drop to the Colorado River. World-class sunrise photography. Accessible rim trails that deliver payoffs few hikes anywhere can match. No reservation required.
Utah State ParkAbout Dead Horse Point
Utah's Highest Overlook β Right Next to Moab
Dead Horse Point sits at the tip of a narrow mesa, 5,900 feet above sea level and 2,000 feet above the Colorado River. The views are some of the most photographed in the American Southwest β and among the most accessible.
The park gets its name from frontier history: mustangs were corralled on the narrow mesa in the late 1800s, and legend holds that a herd was abandoned within sight of the river thousands of feet below. Today, that same dizzying perspective makes Dead Horse Point one of the most compelling photography destinations on any Moab itinerary.
Unlike Arches National Park, Dead Horse Point requires no advance timed entry. Pay the state park fee at the gate and you're in β a simplicity that, combined with the sheer scale of views, makes it a non-negotiable stop. The turquoise-blue potash evaporation ponds on the canyon floor are visible from the overlook, adding a surreal, other-worldly quality to the already spectacular scene.
Visitor Essentials
Dead Horse Point Fast Facts
Everything you need before making the drive β fees, hours, directions, and logistics.
| Park Type | Utah State Park β separate from Arches & Canyonlands entry |
| Entry Fee | $20/vehicle Β· America the Beautiful pass NOT accepted (state park) |
| Timed Entry | None β drive in, pay at entrance station, no reservation needed |
| Gate Hours | 6:00 AM β 10:00 PM daily, year-round |
| Distance from Moab | 32 miles Β· ~40-min drive via US-191 North then UT-313 West |
| Elevation | 5,900 ft at the overlook Β· 2,000 ft above the Colorado River |
| Dogs Allowed | Yes, on leash on all trails. Pack out all waste. |
| Camping | Kayenta Campground β advance reservations strongly recommended |
| Cell Service | Limited to none. Download AllTrails or Gaia GPS offline before you go. |
| Restrooms | Available at the visitor center and main overlook parking area |
Trail Guides
Best Hiking Trails at Dead Horse Point
Dead Horse Point's trail network traces the canyon rim at consistent views and surprisingly low technical difficulty. Here are the trails worth your time, from the classic overlook to the full mesa loop.
EasyDead Horse Point Overlook Trail
The signature viewpoint and the reason everyone makes the drive. A paved, accessible path delivers the full 2,000-foot panorama over the river and turquoise potash ponds. This is the most accessible big-view hike near Moab β do not skip it.
ModerateEast Rim Trail
The park's best longer route. The East Rim follows the canyon edge south from the overlook, with constantly changing angles on the canyon walls and the river far below. Connects to the Big Horn Overlook spur for bonus views with minimal extra effort.
ModerateFull Rim Loop
The complete Dead Horse Point experience. East and West Rim Trails combined form a 5-mile loop around the entire mesa point. Constant canyon views, multiple photography stops, and remarkably little elevation change for the scale of scenery on offer.
Not sure which trail is right for your group?
A local guide recommends the best route based on your fitness level, time of day, and current conditions. Most tours include transport from Moab.
World-Class Views
PhotographingDead Horse Point
Used in Thelma & Louise and as a filming location for Westworld β the views here are cinematic for a reason. Plan your timing right and the results are extraordinary.
Sunrise Is Peak
Arrive 30 minutes before official sunrise. The canyon floor goes from deep purple to blazing orange in minutes. Spring and fall produce the most dramatic color.
Astrophotography
Low light pollution and a paved path to the overlook make Dead Horse Point one of the best astro locations in the Moab area. New moon nights in fall are exceptional.
Secondary Viewpoints
The Big Horn Overlook on the East Rim and West Rim sunset angles are less crowded than the main point and often produce better-framed shots.
Arrive Early
Sunrise parking fills fast in peak season (MayβOct). Combine with Canyonlands same-day to get the most from the drive.
Guided Tours from Moab
Why Book a Guided Trip to Dead Horse Point?
Dead Horse Point looks simple on a map. The geology, history, and photography rewards are vastly richer with a local guide.
The history is wild β and most visitors miss it
From frontier mustangers to Thelma & Louise to the turquoise potash ponds. Guides bring the full story that a trailhead sign never tells.
Transport from Moab included
Most tours include round-trip transport from town. No rental car required, no UT-313 navigation, no 5am parking scramble at the gate.
Pair it with Canyonlands in one day
The Island in the Sky is 15 minutes away. Guides know how to sequence both parks efficiently without rushed or wasted time.
Sunrise timing nailed
Guides know the exact arrival window, the best secondary viewpoints, and which compositions beat the crowded main overlook for photography.
Book Direct With Operators
Dead Horse Point Tours & Guided Experiences
These tours depart from Moab and are operated by licensed local guide companies. Booking links connect you directly to the operator.
HikingMoab.com earns a referral fee when you book through our links. This never affects our trail recommendations. Learn more β
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit Dead Horse Point
Dead Horse Point is open year-round with no timed entry. But season dramatically affects crowds, light, and what you experience at the overlook.
Spring March β May
The best overall window. Wildflowers appear on the mesa top in March and April, crowds are manageable, and the morning canyon light is spectacular. Book Kayenta Campground early for spring breaks.
Summer June β August
The mesa elevation is slightly cooler than Moab itself, but midday heat is still severe. Sunrise visits and the last two hours before sunset are the only truly comfortable windows. Bring water even for the short overlook walk.
Fall Sept β November
Locals' top pick. October especially brings crisp air, golden canyon light, and the best astrophotography conditions of the year. Crowd levels drop significantly after Labor Day.
Winter Dec β February
Stunning with snow dusting the red rock. Nearly zero crowds. The mesa access road (UT-313) can be icy β check road conditions before driving. Bring real layers: pre-sunrise temperatures regularly dip below freezing.
What to Bring
Dead Horse Point Hiking Essentials
Even on the short overlook walk, the mesa elevation and desert exposure require basic preparation β especially spring through fall.
More Water Than You Think
No water on trail. The visitor center has a fountain β fill up before heading to the rim. One liter minimum for the overlook; two for the full loop.
Sun Protection
The mesa is fully exposed with no shade. SPF 50+, wide-brim hat, and UV arm sleeves are non-negotiable April through October. High elevation amplifies UV intensity.
Comfortable Trail Shoes
The overlook trail is paved. Rim trails are packed dirt and some sandstone. Trail runners or hiking shoes with grip work well for every route here.
Offline Map
Cell service drops to nothing on the mesa. Download Dead Horse Point on AllTrails or Gaia GPS before you leave Moab. Don't rely on finding a signal at the trailhead.
Layers for Sunrise
Even in summer, the mesa is 30β40Β°F cooler before sunrise than midday. A fleece or windshell is essential for any pre-dawn visit to the overlook.
Electrolytes
For the rim loop and summer visits, electrolyte tablets or powder prevent hyponatremia. Desert heat dehydrates faster than most visitors expect, even at this elevation.
While You're in the Area
Combine Dead Horse Point With These Parks
Dead Horse Point is on the same road as Canyonlands' Island in the Sky. Plan the full loop β it's one of the best single-day circuits in the Southwest.
15 min away
Canyonlands β Island in the Sky
Mesa Arch, Grand View Point, Upheaval Dome. The same UT-313 road that passes Dead Horse Point leads directly to Canyonlands. One of the best same-day pairings in all of Utah.
See Canyonlands Trails
40 min from Moab
Arches National Park
Delicate Arch, Devils Garden, Landscape Arch. The world's highest concentration of natural arches. No timed entry required as of 2025 β pay at the gate and explore freely.
See Arches Trails
BLM Land Β· Free Access
Free BLM Hikes Near Moab
Corona Arch, Fisher Towers, and Kane Creek β world-class hikes with no park entry fee and no permits required. Great options for the drive back into Moab from Dead Horse Point.
Browse Free HikesCommon Questions
Dead Horse Point FAQ
Answers to what every visitor asks before making the drive out from Moab.
Ready to See It For Yourself?
Dead Horse Point Awaits
Browse guided tours that include Dead Horse Point, build a multi-park itinerary, or explore all 80+ Moab trail guides.
ποΈ Dead Horse Point β 32 miles from Moab
Book a Tour