When to go
Weather, crowds, and what the season changes about the trip.
Spring
Cool mornings, mild afternoons, and strong demand around Moab.
Pack Sun layer, wind layer, and early campground booking.
Summer
Very hot, exposed, and best for sunrise, sunset, or short walks.
Pack Maximum water capacity, sun shirt, electrolytes, and shade discipline.
Fall
Comfortable hiking and biking weather with cool nights.
Pack Warm camp layer, headlamp, and shoulder-season reservation backup.
Winter
Cold nights, quiet overlooks, and occasional snow or ice on shaded pavement.
Pack Insulation, traction for slick overlooks, and flexible road timing.
Top things to do
Dead Horse Point Overlook
The main reason to come: a huge view over goosenecks of the Colorado River and layers of canyon country.
East Rim and West Rim trails
Link the overlook system into a low-mileage but exposed desert rim hike with constant views.
Moab-area dark skies
Stay after sunset or camp in the park if you want the overlook experience without the day-use turnover.
Anchor the day around Dead Horse Point Overlook
Put the access rule first: shuttle, parking, timed-entry, or reservation windows should decide the order of the day. For one day in Dead Horse Point State Park, make Dead Horse Point Overlook the non-negotiable, add East Rim and West Rim trails only if the first stop runs clean, and keep Moab-area dark skies as the flexible finish.
- 1Start with Dead Horse Point Overlook: The main reason to come: a huge view over goosenecks of the Colorado River and layers of canyon country.
- 2Add East Rim and West Rim trails: Link the overlook system into a low-mileage but exposed desert rim hike with constant views.
- 3Use Moab-area dark skies as the optional finish, not as a reason to rush the whole day.
Plan your trip
Turn Dead Horse Point's conditions into water, pack, and sleep-system decisions.
Build around conditions
Let season, elevation, and weather set the plan.
Plan your trip
4 quick tools, already seeded for Dead Horse Point State Park. Tune the numbers around temperature swings, footing, layers, and how much margin the route needs.
What to pack
Start with the gear decisions this park changes: footing, weather, camping, and water.
Kit Authority
Dead Horse Point State Park packing list
0 of 22 packed. Check items as you pack, then take this list to the store, trailhead, or campsite.
Pack planning
Decide what Dead Horse Point State Park asks of your kit before you start checking boxes.
Use this as a constraint check while you are still shaping the trip. The active checklist becomes useful once your route, dates, and sleep plan are set.
- First constraintHydration and exposureWater, Electrolyte mix, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, 4 more
- Route realityFooting and tractionHiking boots, Hiking socks, Trekking poles
- Load choicePack and carry systemDaypack
- If overnightSleep and shelterTent, Sleeping bag, Sleeping pad
Checklist mode
22 items, grouped for the trip you are actually taking.
- Dates and season are set.
- Primary route, campground, or lodge is chosen.
- Water, footwear, and overnight needs are sized.
One researched pick
The first gear decision for Dead Horse Point
A stable daypack is the one purchase that organizes water, layers, food, first aid, and the small safety margin.
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THE DAY-HIKE PICK
Osprey Talon 22
- Volume
- 22 L
- Weight
- 2 lb 1 oz (945 g)
- Back Panel
- AirScape foam with ventilation channels
- Hipbelt Pockets
- 2 zippered
- Hydration
- Compatible up to 3 L reservoir (sold separately)
- Warranty
- All Mighty Guarantee (lifetime repair or replace)
The Talon 22 is the daypack you see on the trail more than any other for good reason: it packs in a padded hipbelt, adjustable torso harness, and dual hipbelt pockets into a 22-liter package that handles loads up to 20 lb without complaint. Owners across hundreds of Amazon ratings consistently cite its adjustability and durability as standouts.
- Adjustable torso fit covers a wide range of body sizes
- Padded hipbelt and dual hipbelt pockets at this size are rare
- At 2 lb 1 oz it runs heavier than ultralight rivals for the same volume
Best for
Hikers who want a proven all-around daypack with solid load support, plenty of adjustment, and a warranty they can actually use.
Gear for Dead Horse Point
The buying guides that match what Dead Horse Point asks of your kit, with our current top picks across budget and use case.
Where to stay
Camp inside Dead Horse Point if you want quiet nights and fast sunrise access. Moab has the broadest lodging, food, and rental inventory, but it also adds drive time and crowd pressure. Choose the park campground or yurts when the night sky and morning overlook matter more than restaurant access.
Camping reservations
Camping reservations
Book Dead Horse Point before the Moab calendar hardens.
The park has modern campgrounds and yurts, so it works as a real base, not just a scenic stop between Arches and Canyonlands.
Reviewed June 8, 2026
Booking window
Utah State Parks uses ReserveAmerica. Individual campsites generally open on a four-month rolling window, with many group facilities opening farther ahead.
- Confirm the specific campground, yurt, and arrival date in the Utah reservation system.
- Moab spring and fall weekends should be treated as high-demand booking windows.
- Bring water and shade even when the campground feels close to town.
Where to book or verify
Official park page with conditions, fees, reservations, and park contacts.
Use this for system rules, fees, check-in details, and reservation terms.
Check for federal campground, backcountry, tour, and permit inventory tied to this park.
Campgrounds to know
Kayenta Campground
Details- Booking
- Reserve through Utah State Parks and ReserveAmerica.
- Sites
- Developed campsites close to the rim trail system.
- The practical first check for tent and RV campers who want the classic park base.
Wingate Campground and yurts
Details- Booking
- Reserve through Utah State Parks and ReserveAmerica.
- Sites
- Campsites plus yurt options.
- A strong choice when you want more comfort while staying inside the dark-sky park.
Getting there and practical info
Plan the last mile as carefully as the destination.
Airports, roads, entrances, and local movement belong in the same plan.
Getting there
Get to Dead Horse Point State Park, then move through the park without wasting the day.
- Access rhythm
- Plan the last mile
- Region
- Utah
Car strategy
Dead Horse Point sits northwest of Moab, near the road into Canyonlands Island in the Sky.
Car strategy
Most travelers drive from Moab, then pair it with Canyonlands viewpoints or use it as a quieter overnight base above the busiest town corridor.
Pair this with lodging: the simplest base is the one that removes a real morning problem, not just the one nearest the map pin.
Can you photograph here? Permit and drone rules
The Utah Film Commission assists but does not permit; cities, counties, BLM, and Utah State Parks each permit their own ground, and the Mighty 5 gateway state parks all require Special Use Permits for commercial work.
- Permit
- Usually fine for personal shoots; commercial or large productions can need a permit
- Drones
- Legal under FAA rules; individual state parks publish their own drone restrictions
- Land
- Yes: photographing people and property visible from public space is legal in the US
From our photography sister site, Aperture Authority. Verified 2026-07-01.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dead Horse Point worth it if I am already visiting Canyonlands?
Yes, especially for sunrise, sunset, camping, or a shorter overlook day. It is smaller than Canyonlands, but the rim views are immediate and easier to work into a Moab trip.
Can you camp at Dead Horse Point State Park?
Yes. Utah State Parks lists campgrounds and yurts at Dead Horse Point, with reservations handled through the official state system.