Is Dead Horse Point State Park Worth Visiting? Our Honest Review + Tips
Last Updated on November 29, 2025 by Charlotte
Moab is packed with heavy-hitters: Arches, Canyonlands, slot canyons, rivers, off-road trails, and red rocks in every shape imaginable. So if you’re planning a Utah road trip, it’s fair to ask, “is Dead Horse Point State Park worth visiting?” We visited on our Grand Circle road trip and were curious about this iconic overlook. While it wasn’t the most jaw-dropping stop on our trip after already seeing so many incredible landscapes, we still think it can be worth it for the right kind of traveler. Here’s what you should know before paying the $20 entrance fee.
Just a heads-up: some links on this site are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase. Your support helps to keep the blog running.
What Makes Dead Horse Point Unique
The star of the show is the Dead Horse Point Overlook, a dramatic, horseshoe-shaped bend in the Colorado River with 2,000-foot cliffs and panoramic views of the canyon lands below. It’s a scene that looks like it belongs in a national park, but without the crowds of Arches National Park or Canyonlands National Park.
The park’s slightly ominous name actually comes from its geography. This narrow mesa was supposedly used as a natural corral by cowboys in the 1800s, where the “neck” of land leading to the point is only about 30 yards wide, with sheer cliffs on three sides. It was perfect for trapping wild mustangs, and less perfect for the horses that legend says were left behind and died of thirst. (Although park rangers will tell you the true story behind the name is actually a bit of a mystery, with competing versions of the tale.)
What makes Dead Horse Point State Park stand out today is the combination of spectacular views and easy access. In comparison to larger parks, at Dead Horse Point you can literally drive right up to the main overlook and see jaw-dropping scenery that rivals anything in Utah. Even more convenient, the main park area is small and easy to navigate, making it perfect for a quick stop or a more leisurely sunset picnic.
Plan Your Visit to Dead Horse Point State Park
Dead Horse Point is about a 40-minute drive from Moab, making it an easy add-on to any Canyonlands or Arches itinerary. During high season (spring and fall), expect entrance lines that can take 30 minutes to an hour during mid-day. If you’re trying to stick to a tight schedule, plan accordingly or visit early morning or late afternoon when crowds thin out. You can see the main overlook in 30-60 minutes, but if you want to explore more, the East and West Rim Trails add up to about 5 miles total. The best times to visit are early morning or sunset, when you’ll get softer light for photos and fewer crowds competing for the prime viewing spots.
Park Visitor’s Information
- Entrance Fee:
- $20 per vehicle
- $10 per bike
- Heads up! this park is not covered by the America the Beautiful Pass because this is a state park! You can learn more about the fee structure here.
- Park Hours: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Visitor’s Center Hours: Open daily (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day
- Wifi: is available at the visitor’s center
Facilities and Accessibility
Dead Horse Point is one of the most accessible viewpoints in the Moab area, making it an excellent choice if you’re traveling with someone who uses a wheelchair or stroller, or if you just prefer paved paths over scrambling over rocks. The facilities are surprisingly good for a state park. You’ll find flush toilets (a genuine luxury in canyon country!), shaded picnic areas, and a visitor center with maps, info, and blessed air conditioning.
Camping
For those wanting to stay overnight, there are both traditional campsites and yurts that can sleep up to six people each. You can make camping reservations in advance, either online or by phone through Reserve America.
Hiking
Dead Horse Point has about seven miles of hiking trails that connect nine different overlooks across the mesa top. All trails are relatively easy with minimal elevation gain.
Map of Dead Horse Point State Park.
On our visit, we showed up and just wandered around the following trails because they looked neat:
- The Dead Horse Point Overlook Trail (200 feet one-way, very easy) is ADA-compliant and takes you right to the main viewpoint – this is probably what most visitors will do.
- The Visitor Center Nature Trail (1/8 mile one-way, very easy) is a short, informative walk that’s perfect if you want to stretch your legs without committing to a longer hike.
- The West Rim Trail offers different perspectives of the canyon and connects to additional overlooks. While still easy terrain, it’s longer and gives you a chance to see the landscape from multiple angles if you have extra time.
The beauty of Dead Horse Point’s trail system is that you can choose your own adventure – spend 10 minutes at the main overlook or make it a longer exploration of the rim. Since all the trails are on the mesa top, you’re getting canyon views throughout rather than hiking just to reach a payoff at the end.
So, Is Dead Horse Point State Park Worth It?
Maybe, but it depends on what you’re looking for.
Yes, it’s worth it if you want:
- A stunning viewpoint without a hike
- A stop that’s wheelchair- or stroller-friendly
- Clean restrooms, shaded picnic areas, and easy parking
- A peaceful place to watch the sunrise or sunset
Maybe skip it if:
- You’re already doing Canyonlands and Arches, and feel canyoned-out
- You don’t want to pay $20 for a short visit to one overlook
- You’re trying to save money and already have the National Park Pass
We are happy that we made the trek to Dead Horse Point State Park, with realistic expectations and knowledge of the entrance fee. If you go in with the right mindset, Dead Horse Point delivers exactly what it promises: a quick, accessible taste of some of the best canyons that Utah has to offer.
