Dead Horse Point State Park
The most jaw dropping overlook in canyon country — the Colorado River bending 2,000 feet below you, reachable by a short walk from the parking lot. Here is exactly how to plan your visit.
The easiest big view in the desert
Dead Horse Point is the moment Moab's canyon country finally makes sense. You walk a few hundred feet from the car, reach the rim, and the whole landscape drops away — the Colorado River carving a wide horseshoe through 300 million years of red rock, with the spires of Canyonlands National Park stacked behind it. It delivers the scale of a hard backcountry hike with almost none of the effort, which makes it the single most rewarding stop for a first or second time Moab visitor.
This guide is written by a local who spends most weeks out on these mesas. Below you'll find the real answers: when to go, what it costs, how much time you need, which viewpoints beat the crowds, and the mistakes most visitors make. If you're still building your trip, start with the Moab state parks overview or the wider list of things to do in Moab.
The park is built entirely around its viewpoints. The main overlook is the headliner, but the connected rim trails string together a dozen more angles on the canyon, and the mesa's flat, open terrain makes it one of the calmest, most family friendly places near Moab. There is no food or fuel inside the park, so arrive with water and snacks already packed.
The best time to visit Dead Horse Point
Early spring and late fall are the sweet spot — comfortable temperatures, clear air, and the best visibility across the canyon. But the time of day matters even more than the season.
| Season | What to expect | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Ideal temps, active wildlife, clear skies. Peak crowds on weekends. | ★ Best overall |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | Warm days, cool evenings, exceptional clarity, thinner crowds. | ★ Best overall |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Extreme heat and full parking lots. Go at sunrise or just before sunset. | Early / late only |
| Winter (Nov–Feb) | Quiet, sometimes snow-dusted cliffs. Icy patches on the rim, short days. | Peaceful but cold |
Planning around the calendar? The seasonal activities guide breaks down what Moab feels like month to month, and the scenic drives guide pairs the SR-313 approach with other easy view-first outings.
What to do at Dead Horse Point
Almost everything here is view-first and low effort. Pick one or stack all four into an easy half day.
The Main Overlook
A short paved walk from the parking area to the signature horseshoe view. Accessible, unmissable, and the reason most people come.
The Rim Trails
A flat loop that hugs the mesa edge, revealing a fresh angle at every bend. Two to four hours if you stop often — and you will.
The Intrepid Trail System
Flowy, beginner-friendly slickrock with constant overlooks and gentle grades. Full trail-by-trail details in our dedicated Intrepid guide.
Dark Sky Stargazing
A certified International Dark Sky Park. Stay past sunset for some of the clearest star fields anywhere near Moab.
Want more low-effort payoff nearby? Mesa Arch and the Island in the Sky overlooks sit just up the road inside Canyonlands, and the full menu of easy-to-hard trails lives in the Moab hiking hub.
What it costs and how to get in
| Pass type | Price (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Private vehicle | $20 | Up to 8 people · valid 2 consecutive days |
| Utah senior (65+) | $15 | Utah residents only |
| Motorcycle | $10 | Per motorcycle |
| Walk-in / bike-in | $10 | Per 4 people · park outside the gate |
| RV campsite | $50–$60 / night | Higher Mar–Jun & Sep–Oct · electric hookups |
| Yurt | ~$150 / night | Book well ahead — they sell out fast |
Day-use passes can be bought online in advance or paid at the entrance — no reservation is required just to visit. Camping and yurts do require reservations and fill months out for spring and fall. If the campgrounds are full, compare your options in the Moab lodging guide, from campgrounds to glamping and hotels back in town.
Directions from downtown Moab
- Head north on US-191. From downtown Moab, follow US Route 191 north for about 11 miles.
- Turn onto SR-313. Take a left onto State Route 313 and climb roughly 21 miles as the road switchbacks up onto the mesa.
- Follow the signs. The Dead Horse Point entrance is clearly marked. Total drive is about 32 miles, or 40 minutes.
- Pay and park. Stop at the entrance station, then continue to the large paved lot at the main overlook.
Dead Horse Point vs. the alternatives
Short on vacation hours? Here's how it stacks up against the two national parks next door.
Pick Dead Horse Point when…
- You want the biggest view for the least walking
- You're traveling with kids or older family
- You want a quieter alternative to Arches
- Sunrise, sunset, or stargazing is the goal
Choose a national park when…
- Canyonlands — you want bigger, more remote terrain
- Arches — you're after iconic arches and fins
- You already hold an America the Beautiful pass
- You have a full day rather than a couple of hours
The honest answer for most first-timers: do Dead Horse Point and Canyonlands Island in the Sky on the same morning — they share the SR-313 approach, so you can pair both in one easy loop. See the full national parks guide to sequence them.
Rather have a guide do the driving?
Local outfitters run half day tours that pair Dead Horse Point with the Canyonlands overlooks — with the geology, the history, and the best photo pullouts handled for you.
Dead Horse Point State Park FAQ
How much does it cost to enter Dead Horse Point?
Does my Arches or Canyonlands pass work here?
How long do I need at Dead Horse Point?
When is the best time to visit?
Is Dead Horse Point good for families and non-hikers?
Can I camp at Dead Horse Point?
Plan the rest of your Moab trip
Some links on Moabing are affiliate links to trusted booking partners. If you book a tour through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — it helps keep these local guides free. Park fees and hours are verified against Utah State Parks but can change; confirm current rates before you go.