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...

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 62+
$75 Annual Day-Use Pass
$35 Senior Adventure (annual) Pass

Activities

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

Camping

$40 RV and tent sites with electrical hookups.
$35 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

THINGS TO DO

MOAB

REQUEST INFO & BROCHURE

TRAVEL BUREAU INFORMATION

MOAB AREA TRAVEL COUNCIL

25 East Center Street
Moab, UT 84532
Visit website