Dead Horse Point Mesa Scenic Byway (U-313)

Dead Horse Mesa Scenic Byway, on Utah Highway 313, takes you through miles of incredible red rock canyon country. To reach the byway, head north from Moab on US- 191. After about 9 miles (14.5 km), look for the “Dead Horse Point State Park” sign and turn left (west) onto SR-313. This is the start of the byway. After a series of hairpin curves as you begin to ascend the plateau, the road mellows out allowing you to appreciate the scenery. At about 14.6 miles (23.5km) from the beginning of SR-313 a fork to the left leads to Dead Horse Point State Park. Note that a fee is required to proceed to the viewpoints. The view from Dead Horse Point is one of the most photographed scenic vistas in the world. Towering 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, the overlook provides a breathtaking panorama of Canyonlands’ sculpted pinnacles and buttes.

After leaving Dead Horse Point State Park, backtrack to Highway 313, turn left, and head toward the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park, ultimately ending at Grandview Point. This section of the park sits atop a massive 1500 foot mesa – quite literally an Island in the Sky. 20 miles (32.2 km) of paved roads lead to many of the most spectacular views in canyon country.

Dead Horse Point is one of Utah’s most spectacular state parks. Towering 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, the park provides a breathtaking panorama of Canyonlands’ sculpted pinnacles and buttes.

2 hours minimum, but several additional hours are recommended to enjoy the state and national parks.