Dead Horse Point State Park

Dead Horse Point is located at the end of a mesa 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, on the edge of Canyonlands National Park. The vista offers outstanding views of the river and surrounding canyon country. Many excellent photos are taken here. It's also a certified International Dark Sky Park. Read more...

Photo gallery: Dead Horse Point | Photo Gallery

Dead Horse Point | Photo Gallery

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Dead Horse Point State Park

The Legend Of Dead Horse Point

Before the turn of the 19th century, mustang herds ran wild on the mesas near Dead Horse Point. The unique promontory provided a natural corral into which the horses were driven by cowboys. The only escape was through a narrow, 30-yard neck of land controlled by fencing. Mustangs were then roped and broken, with the better ones being kept for personal use or sold to eastern markets. Unwanted culls of "broomtails" were left behind to find their way off the Point.

According to one legend, a band of broomtails was left corralled on the Point. The gate was supposedly left open so the horses could return to the open range. For some unknown reason, the mustangs remained on the Point. There they died of thirst within sight of the Colorado River, 2,000 feet below.

Today, Dead Horse Point provides a beautiful mesa where you can look for miles into Canyonlands National Park or 2,000 feet down to the Colorado River. There are a few short hikes around the edge of the mesa with stunning views into the deep canyons. The Intrepid Trail System offers 16.6 miles of hiking and biking trails with varying degrees of difficulty. The easiest and shortest loop is Intrepid, and Twisted Tree is the most challenging. The trails offer opportunities for visitors of all ages and abilities, and provide breathtaking views.

Main Attractions

• Scenic views of Canyonlands National Park and surrounding country
• Popular stop for photographers
• Camping
• Area mountain biking

Location

Near the town of Moab, in SE Utah
Approximately 248 miles southeast of Salt Lake City.

Directions: Drive nine miles northwest of Moab on US 191 and then 23 miles southwest on Utah 313 to the end of the highway.

Contact Information

Dead Horse Point State Park
P.O. Box 609
Moab, UT 84532-0609
Phone: (435) 259-2614

Seasons/Open Hours

Open year-round, 6:00am to 10:00pm

Visitor Center Hours

Open daily from 9:00am - 5:00pm

Holiday Closures: Visitor Center closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day (park remains open)

Entrance Fees

• $20 per vehicle with up to 8 passengers
• $15 for Utah residents 65+
• $125 annual day-use pass, valid only for Utah residents
• $65 senior annual day-use pass (65+, valid only for Utah residents)

Activities

• Auto touring
• Short hikes to scenic viewpoints
• Mountain biking
• Camping
• ATV trails nearby

Camping

$50 RV and tent sites with electrical hookups.
$40 Tent-only sites

No water hookups available.

Camping Reservations

800-322-3770 (toll-free from outside the Salt Lake City area)
801-322-3770 (from within the Salt Lake City area)

Facilities

• Visitor Center
• Bike trail
• Hiking trails
• Campground
• Yurt Rentals
• Picnic spots

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO DO

• Moab Rock Climbing
• Fishing in Moab
• Boating
• Horseback Riding in Moab
• Moab Tours Guides & Outfitters

ADJACENT DESTINATIONS

• Moab
• Canyonlands
• Arches

REQUEST INFO & BROCHURE

TRAVEL BUREAU INFORMATION

MOAB AREA TRAVEL COUNCIL

25 East Center Street
Moab, UT 84532

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