Dead Horse Point State Park

Entrenched river meander; 2,000-ft drop; sandstone mesa carved by uplift and downcutting.

Insider tip

Fill water storage before entering park;

Insider tip

The 30-yard neck silhouette is iconic; photograph from rim trails;

Natural Attraction

Natural Attraction★ 4.8
Geological Formation5,900 ftRestrooms availableNo permit neededGolden-hour pick

Red sandstone cliffs frame a vast panorama as the Colorado River braids into goosenecks far below. The neck of the peninsula sits on a high mesa about 2,000 feet above the river, big views from every angle. This is an entrenched meander—downcutting by the river during uplift left the canyon perched above a deep, dramatic landscape.

Getting there & parking

How To Get There
From Moab, drive a paved road into Dead Horse Point State Park; follow signs to the Visitor Center and Dead Horse Point Overlook; parking is available at the Visitor Center and overlooks.
Distance From Entrance
1.5 miles one-way to Overlook via East Rim Trail (from Visitor Center)
Road Type
Paved
Parking Availability
Paved parking at the Visitor Center and overlooks; parking can be challenging during peak times.
Peak Fill Times
Parking can fill early; plan to arrive before 8am during peak season; overflow parking may be limited
GPS Coordinates
38.487767, -109.735997

When to go

Best Time To Visit
Open year-round. Spring and Fall bring milder temperatures; Sunrise and Sunset illuminate the canyon in warm light; Midday visits are hot and crowds grow in peak season.
Best Visit Times
Spring and Fall; sunrise/sunset provide best light; avoid the heat of midday in Summer
Sunrise Sunset Quality
Golden-hour illumination at sunrise and sunset
Best Season
Spring and Fall; park open year-round
Busiest Season
Summer
Seasonal Access
Open year-round; Summer heat can be extreme; Spring/Fall milder; Sunrise/Sunset best
Road Opening Dates
Open year-round; no seasonal road closures
Snow Lingering
Occasional light snow in winter; melts quickly
Winter Access
Year-round access; colder conditions; shorter daylight
Weather Patterns
Desert climate; hot summers; mild springs/fall; clear skies common

What you will experience

Attraction Type
Geological Formation
Main Features
Dead Horse Point Overlook, Colorado River goosenecks, entrenched meander, 2,000-foot canyon, 30-yard neck
What Youll See
Colorado River goosenecks snaking through the canyon; layered Pennsylvanian–Jurassic sandstone walls; distant La Sal Mountains
Unique Characteristics
Peninsula neck ~30 yards wide; 2,000-foot drop; entrenched meander showcasing river downcut during uplift
Photo Opportunities
Golden-hour glow across canyon walls; silhouettes of goosenecks; dramatic shadows on layered rock
Photography Spots
Overlook platforms; rim-edge vantage points; goosenecks along the Colorado
Best Viewpoints
Dead Horse Point Overlook; additional overlooks reachable via the Rim Trails
Common Wildlife
Desert-adapted wildlife; nocturnal species; juniper-piñon forest inhabitants
Best Wildlife Times
Evenings and mornings
Geological Formation Type
Entrenched meander; peninsula/mesa
Scientific Interest
300–150 million-year sedimentary sequence; La Sal Mountains 25–48 million years old; uplift from Farallon plate subduction; river downcutting records tectonics and erosion

Facilities, fees & access

Entry Fees
Varies
Permits Required
No
Restrooms Available
Yes
Restroom Type
Flush toilets at Visitor Center; vault toilets elsewhere
Picnic Areas
No
Water Available
Yes
Cell Service
Spotty; LTE up to 3 bars at the Visitor Center; limited at overlooks
Interpretive Signs
Yes
Accessibility
Paved trails to several viewpoints; visitor center with disabled facilities
Accessibility Level
Drive-up view; paved access to several viewpoints; some overlooks accessible with railings
Nearby Services
Visitor Center, restrooms, potable water, interpretive signs, campgrounds
Nearby Facilities
Visitor Center, campgrounds, restrooms, potable water
Family Friendly Notes
Explain cliff hazards to children; hold hands near edges; use rails and designated paths

Safety

Safety Considerations
2,000-foot drop; extreme desert temperatures; uneven terrain; stay behind rails; carry ample water; wear sturdy footwear

Nearby

Nearby Attractions
Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Moab area
Connecting Trails
East Rim Trail, Intrepid Trail System; interconnected rim viewpoints
Trailheads Here
East Rim Trail; Intrepid Trail System

Planning advice

Insider Tips
  • Fill water storage before entering park;
  • The 30-yard neck silhouette is iconic; photograph from rim trails;
  • Parking can be tight—use the Visitor Center lot first
Tips Advice
  • The overlook sits 2,000 feet above the river—stay behind rails.
  • Bring water, hat, and sunscreen; desert climate is extreme.
  • Parking can fill early—arrive before 8am during peak season.
  • East Rim Trail to the overlook is 1.5 miles one-way; plan time.
  • Wear sturdy footwear; uneven slickrock is common.
  • Cell service is spotty; download offline maps and share your plan.
  • Best light is sunrise or sunset for photos.

More details

Park Area
Moab, Utah
Elevation Feet
5900
Visitor Center Present
Yes
Guided Tours Available
No
Fishing Nearby
No
Swimming Allowed
No
Boating Allowed
No
Climbing Areas
No
Review Summary
The site earns high marks (4.8/5 from thousands of reviews) for its panoramic canyon panorama and clear geological storytelling; parking can be tight during peak times, but the expansive views and sedimentary layering make the visit worthwhile.

Location

Dead Horse Point overlook above the canyon in Dead Horse Point State Park, Arches National Park.Dead Horse Point overlook at sunset in Arches National Park, with layered canyons and a river below.

Frequently asked questions

Do I really need to arrive before 7am to get parking?

Parking fills early, especially in summer. Plan to arrive before 8am and be prepared to use overflow areas; if you can, come during off-peak hours for a calmer visit.

Is the 1.5-mile East Rim Trail worth the hike to the overlook?

Yes. The 1.5-mile one-way climb rewards you with expansive canyon panoramas and closer views of the goosenecks; wear sturdy footwear and pace yourself for the desert heat.

Can I bring kids to the overlook area?

Yes, but keep them away from cliff edges and hold hands near rails; designate a safe viewing area and supervise closely in the high-desert environment.

Is cell service reliable at the overlook?

Cell service is spotty away from the Visitor Center; download offline maps and share your plan before you go to avoid getting lost.

Is there a place to get water or restrooms without venturing far from the overlook?

Yes. The Visitor Center has potable water and restrooms; some campgrounds also offer facilities, but plan to refuel and refill at the Visitor Center before heading to the viewpoints.

Fiery Furnace

Fiery Furnace: red sandstone fins and slot canyons shaped by erosion and uplift.

Old City Park

Red arches formed by erosion in Entrada sandstone. High arch density, easy roadside viewpoints.

Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated February 2026. Report an issue.