Dead Horse Point
Dead Horse Point offers sweeping views of the Colorado River as it cuts through the red rock canyons. This is an excellent family adventure!
Length:
Time:
65 miles round trip
1.5-3 Hours
Trail Type:
Out and back
Rating:
Season:
Fees:
⭑⭑⭑⭑
All Year
State Park Entrance Fee
Dead Horse Point sits at 5900 feet above sea level and rises 2000 feet above the Colorado River. This mesa creates a geographic peninsula with outstanding views looking south, west and east.
The name for this state park is taken from the story of cowboys using this peninsula of rock as a natural corral. They only had to fence off the narrow section leading out onto the mesa and the horses had plenty of room to roam free but still be able to be herded when needed. At some point, the horses were forgotten about and died of thirst from the lack of water on the high mesa.
Route Info
Head north on Highway 191 from the center of town in Moab. From here you can expect the drive to be 35 to 45 minutes to reach the Dead Horse State Park. As you leave town you are at the same level as the Colorado River. By the time you reach Dead Horse Point, you’ll be 2000 feet higher.
A few minutes north of town, you’ll cross the bridge going over the Colorado River. This is the same river you will see from the lookout. If you were to float downriver by raft or canoe from this point, it would take you several hours to reach where the river is directly beneath Dead Horse Point. This stretch of the river is very peaceful, calm and slow moving.
Another few minutes of drive time will bring you to Arches National Park on your right-hand side. Stay on Highway 191 heading north. As you pass Arches, the road will start to climb out of the Colorado River basin. Continue for 6 miles until you reach Highway 313 on your left (west) hand side. This turn off will be signed Dead Horse Point and Canyonlands.
After turning onto Highway 313 you’ll follow it into a canyon. As the canyon narrows the road will bend in a couple of hairpin curves as you continue to gain elevation and reach another mesa top. From here you will get impressive views of the La Sal mountains towards the east and canyon country everywhere else.
After a while you will come to your next turn off. This will be a signed turnoff on your left pointing towards Dead Horse Point State Park. Follow this road to the park. The park entrance will require a state park fee to enter. Continue down the road to the end where the main view area is. If you’d like to stop at the visitor center, it’s worth a stop to learn a little about the history and geology of this area.
At the end of the road lookout, take as much time to wander around and take in the views. You will have just shy of 360-degree views. The Colorado River is also easily seen from here as it winds its way towards the confluence with the Green River and Cataract Canyon.
Return back to Moab the way you came or take another detour and visit Canyonlands Island in the Sky while you’re in the vicinity.