Overview
Dead Horse Point State Park sits on a narrow mesa in southeastern Utah, roughly 30 miles southwest of Moab. Perched nearly 6,000 feet above sea level, its main viewpoint looks down some 2,000 feet into a landscape carved by the Colorado River over millions of years. The iconic Gooseneck — a tight meander that nearly doubles back on itself — is one of the most photographed vistas in the American Southwest.
Despite being a state park rather than a national park, Dead Horse Point draws visitors from around the world. It consistently ranks among Utah's most scenic destinations, and the view rivals anything in nearby Canyonlands National Park, which borders the park to the south and west.
The park's name comes from a colorful piece of local legend: the mesa's narrow neck was reportedly used as a natural corral for wild mustangs. According to the story, a band of horses was left behind and, unable to find water on the high mesa, perished near the point. The story is unverified but has stuck for generations.
At roughly 5,362 acres, the park is compact enough to explore in a day yet offers enough variety — overlooks, trails, a campground, and a visitor center — to reward a longer stay.
Before You Go
Entry Fees and Passes
Dead Horse Point charges a per-vehicle day-use fee. Fee amounts can change; verify the current rate at the Utah State Parks official website or by calling the park directly before your visit. Utah's "America the Beautiful" federal pass does not cover state park entry, but Utah offers its own annual state parks pass that covers Dead Horse Point — worth considering if you plan to visit multiple Utah state parks.
Reservations
Campsite and some visitor services reservations are handled through the Utah State Parks online reservation system. The campground is popular and books out well in advance, especially from April through October. Reserve as early as possible. Day-use visitors generally do not need advance reservations, but verify this on the official site as policies can change.
What to Pack
- Water: The mesa is dry and exposed. Carry more water than you think you need — at least one liter per person per hour of activity in warm months.
- Sun protection: Shade is minimal at viewpoints and on trails. Hat, sunscreen, and UV-blocking clothing are essential.
- Layers: Temperatures swing significantly between day and night, even in summer. Evenings can turn cold quickly.
- Snacks and food: There is no restaurant or store inside the park. Bring everything you need.
- Charged devices: Cell service is limited to nonexistent in most of the park.
Getting There
By Car
The park is located off Utah State Route 313, which branches west from US Highway 191 approximately 9 miles north of Moab. From the junction, follow SR-313 for about 23 miles to the park entrance. The road is paved and accessible to standard passenger vehicles. No RV length restrictions are commonly noted, but verify with the park if you have an unusually large rig.
From Moab
Moab is the primary base for most visitors — it is about 30–35 miles and roughly 45 minutes from town to the park. Rental cars are available in Moab; check availability and book in advance during peak season (spring and fall). Some local tour operators in Moab offer guided day trips to Dead Horse Point — verify current operators and schedules locally.
Nearest Airports
Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY) in Moab offers limited regional flights; most travelers fly into Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), roughly a 4-hour drive, or Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) in Colorado, roughly 1.5–2 hours away. Renting a car is effectively essential — there is no public transit to the park.
Getting Around
The park is compact and well suited to self-guided exploration on foot or by bike. The main viewpoint is a short walk from the parking area, and a paved, accessible path connects several overlooks along the mesa rim.
The Intrepid Trail System offers approximately 9 miles of purpose-built mountain biking and hiking trails across three loops (East Rim, West Rim, and Big Chief). Trails are well-marked and range from beginner-friendly to moderately technical. Cyclists should bring a capable bike suited to rocky high-desert terrain.
There is no shuttle service within the park. Visitors arrive and move around by private vehicle or on foot and bike. Parking areas are provided at the visitor center and at several trailheads; during peak season these fill early in the morning.
Where to Stay
Camping in the Park
Dead Horse Point has a single campground with sites accommodating both tents and RVs. Facilities include restrooms; check the official site for current hookup availability and specific amenities, as these details are updated periodically. The campground has no dump station on-site — verify locally. Camping under the dark sky with canyon views is the recommended way to experience the park fully.
Lodging Near the Park
Moab is the nearest town with a broad range of lodging — from budget motels to boutique hotels and glamping properties. Given Moab's popularity, book accommodation well in advance for spring and fall. Some properties near the SR-313 junction exist; verify availability and current options on standard booking platforms.
Practical Notes
There is no electricity in the camping area beyond any hookup sites; charge devices before arrival. Water is available at the visitor center area — confirm with the park whether water is available at the campground itself, as desert park water systems can change seasonally.
Things to See & Do
The Main Overlook
The signature experience is standing at Dead Horse Point itself — the narrow promontory at the end of the mesa. The view encompasses the Colorado River's Gooseneck, layered canyon walls in shades of red, orange, and white, and distant Canyonlands mesa country. Sunrise and sunset are particularly dramatic. Give yourself more time here than you think you need.
Rim Hiking
A trail follows the mesa rim and links the main overlook with several secondary viewpoints, including Meander Overlook and Shafer Canyon Overlook. The full rim loop is approximately 4–5 miles round-trip from the visitor center area and is rated easy to moderate. Elevation change is modest, but heat and sun exposure on exposed sections should not be underestimated.
Mountain Biking (Intrepid Trail System)
The Intrepid trails offer one of the better mountain biking experiences in a Utah state park. The slickrock and hardpacked sections provide good traction, and trail markers are clear. Bikes are not permitted on the narrow mesa-edge pedestrian paths near the main overlook.
Stargazing and Night Photography
Dead Horse Point is designated as a Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association. On moonless nights the Milky Way is visible with the naked eye. The park is popular with astrophotographers; the combination of canyon topography and low light pollution makes for exceptional compositions.
Wildlife Observation
Desert bighorn sheep are occasionally spotted on and around the mesa. Ravens, raptors, and a variety of desert lizards are commonly seen. Mule deer visit the campground area. Observe wildlife from a distance and do not feed any animals.
Food & Drink
There are no food or beverage services inside Dead Horse Point State Park. Bring everything you need for the day, including sufficient water — at minimum one liter per person per hour of activity in warm weather, and more in summer heat.
Moab has a well-developed restaurant scene for a small town, ranging from casual breakfast spots and sandwich shops to sit-down restaurants with Southwestern and American menus. Stock up on groceries, snacks, and water in Moab before heading to the park. A cooler in your vehicle is strongly advised in summer months when temperatures on the mesa can exceed 100°F (38°C).
Packaged snacks, instant coffee, and camp-cooking supplies are available at grocery and outdoor stores in Moab. Do not plan to find anything to eat or drink between SR-313 and the park — the drive is entirely through open desert.
Practical Information
Cell Service and Connectivity
Expect little to no cell service within the park and along much of SR-313. Download offline maps (such as those in AllTrails or Google Maps offline mode) before leaving Moab. Let someone know your itinerary if you are hiking independently.
Restrooms
Restrooms are located at the visitor center and campground. There are no facilities at trail-access points away from these areas. Plan accordingly.
Visitor Center
The park visitor center offers exhibits on the geology and ecology of the Colorado Plateau, maps, and ranger information. Hours vary by season — verify current hours on the Utah State Parks website before your visit.
Leave No Trace
Cryptobiotic soil crusts are present throughout the park — the dark, lumpy crust visible on the ground between rocks. These take decades to recover from a single footstep. Stay on marked trails and established surfaces at all times. Pack out all waste. Campfires may be restricted depending on season and fire conditions; check current fire regulations before your trip.
Accessibility
The primary overlook area includes a paved, relatively flat path suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Portions of the rim trail are unpaved and uneven. Contact the park directly for current accessibility details.
Safety
Heat and Sun
The most common safety risk at Dead Horse Point is heat-related illness. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95–100°F (35–38°C) on the exposed mesa. Start hikes early in the morning, carry abundant water, and retreat to shade or your vehicle during peak afternoon heat.
Edge Hazards
The overlook areas involve unfenced or minimally fenced cliff edges dropping thousands of feet. Stay behind barriers and marked boundaries. Keep a close eye on children. The desert terrain can be deceptively unstable near the rim.
Weather
Afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August (monsoon season). Lightning is a serious risk on the open mesa — check forecasts before heading out and be prepared to shelter if storms develop. Flash flooding can affect canyon areas below, though the mesa itself is not typically subject to direct flood danger.
Emergency Services
Cell service is unreliable. Park rangers are the first point of contact in an emergency. The nearest hospital-level care is in Moab; for serious emergencies, helicopter evacuation may be required. Know the general location of the visitor center and ranger station relative to your position at all times.
