Dead Horse Point State Park
The view from Dead Horse Point is one of the most photographed scenic vistas in the world.
Dead Horse Point State Park is located on the same mesa as the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park, towering a few thousand feet above the Colorado River. Overlooks here provide breathtaking views of the Colorado, backcountry roads that lead into Canyonlands, and mining infrastructure past and present (have you seen the Potash ponds yet?). The namesake of the park comes from legend: One such tale claims that this peninsula-shaped stretch of land was once used as a corral for wild mustangs, and cowboys would leave the horses they didn’t want on the waterless point.
While the state park has less hiking trails than the nearby national parks, that doesn’t mean there’s less to do. Rent bikes in town or in the park (e-bikes are welcome here too!) to explore the Intrepid Trail System, which features beginner-friendly singletrack. The trails are mixed-use, so you can hike them too. Free ranger talks (find an event calendar on the park’s website) cover topics like geology, wildlife, and the night skies. Visitors who want to really immerse themselves can stay in one of the onsite yurts, which have room for up to six people.
And if you’ve brought your pet to Moab, they can join you in Dead Horse Point: Utah State Parks allow leashed dogs on all trails.
Distance from Moab: 30 miles/48.2 kilometers
Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Entrance Fee: $20 for a private vehicle pass. National Park passes aren’t accepted here, as this is a state park. You can purchase a state park pass at the entrance gate.
Dead Horse Point State Park Itinerary
HALF - DAY
Drive the park’s main road and walk out to the main overlook.
FULL - DAY
From the visitor center, hike the Intrepid Trail to the mixed use trail system along the state park’s east rim: trails here exploring overlooks and mining operations past and present. Alternatively, explore these trails by mountain bike or e-bike.
PAIR IT WITH
On your way back to Moab, turn left on Highway 313 to drive a few more miles to the Mill Canyon Dinosaur Tracksite. Here, you’ll see Early Cretaceous dinosaur footprints from a variety of species, including theropods, sauropods, and crocodilians — all accessible from a boardwalk with well-designed interpretive signage.
Kayenta and Windgate Campgrounds
Nestled within a grove of juniper, the Kayenta Campground at Dead Horse Point State Park offers a peaceful, shaded respite from the surrounding desert. All twenty-one sites offer lighted shade structures, picnic tables, fire rings, and tent pads. All sites are also equipped with RV electrical hookups. Modern restroom facilities are available, and trails lead directly from the campground to various points of interest within the park. 21 sites/4 non-reservable/1 ADA accessible.
Tthe Wingate Campground sits atop the mesa with far reaching views to the area’s mountain ranges and deep canyons. This campground contains thirty-one campsites, twenty of which have electrical hookups that support RV or tent campers while eleven (11) are walk-in, tent only sites. All sites have fire-pits, picnic tables under shade shelters, and access to bathrooms with running water and dish washing sinks. RV sites will accommodate vehicles up to 56′ and there is a dump station at the entrance to the campground.
To make a camping reservation, visit reserveamerica.com.
Yurts
The yurts at Dead Horse Point State Park provide the most luxurious accommodations that can be found atop the mesa. A perfect location for experiencing sunrise and sunset, the yurts enjoy sweeping views of both the canyons to the south and the La Sal mountains to the east. A private spur of the Intrepid Trail System gives easy access to the otherwise remote Big Chief and Pyramid Canyon overlooks. Each yurt contains sleeping space for up to six people, in the form of bunked double beds and a pullout futon couch. An outdoor propane grill allows for cooking on site, with the park providing propane free of charge. Heat, air conditioning, and electrical outlets are available, and comfortable seating areas both indoors and outdoors provide for a relaxing environment in any weather condition. Modern restroom facilities are located within easy walking distance.
Please note that pets are not allowed in the yurts, or in vehicles outside of the yurts. If you would like to spend the night in the park with your furry friend, consider the Kayenta Campground.
To make a camping reservation, visit reserveamerica.com.
Camping Fees
- Camping fees are $60 per night for RV campsites in March, April, May, June, September, and October; $50 all other months
- Camping fees for hike-in, tent-only campsites are $45 in March, April, May, June, September, and October; $45 all other months
- Yurts: $150 per night year round, maximum of 6 people per site
- Camping and yurt fees accommodate one vehicle. Extra vehicles are charged a $20 fee.
- Reservations can be made four months in advance by calling 1-800-322-3770 or online at reserveamerica.com. First-come, first-served openings may be available at the park.
Night Skies
Dead Horse Point State Park, recognized as an International Dark Sky Park in 2016, is one of the most active and accessible areas to stargaze in the Moab area. Its high plateau location, mountains far in the distance and cities out of sight yields a nearly full view of celestial sphere. Park staff routinely provide programs celebrating the night sky, from walks under the full moon to gazing through telescopes at objects millions of light years away.
The desert is alive! And you can protect it.
The crusty sand you see next to the trail is actually alive! It’s “biocrust”, a living skin of microorganisms like lichen and fungi that bind sand together and retain moisture. Those little guys are the reason why many of our plants can thrive in the desert.
Help protect the desert: this soil crust is exceptionally delicate, and can be crushed easily. Please stay on designated roads and trails while exploring in Moab.
Park Highlight: Mountain and E-Biking the Intrepid Trail System
Difficulty rating: Intermediate, with some Easy trails. Blue/Green.
Seasonal influence: Year-round; elevation keeps this system cooler than others during the summer.
A great system for beginner riders and families, especially for families with riders on ebikes. The trail system is named for the Intrepid Potash company that provided funding for the trails. The “Dead Horse Point Tour” (14.4 miles) connects popular trails in a loop around the park. Other popular trails include Big Chief (3.7 miles), Great Pyramid (2.2 miles), and Whiptail (2.8 miles). Terrain here is mostly flat, with moderate climbing. Bikers can park at the visitor center; there is also a seasonal bike rental company that offers rentals at the trailhead.
Trailhead: 38.503507, -109.726896
