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Dead Horse Point overlook above red canyon country in Utah
State Park · Utah

Dead Horse Point State Park

A Moab-area overlook park with Colorado River bends, dark skies, cliff-edge hiking, mountain biking, yurts, and reservable campgrounds.

Nikater / Wikimedia Commons (public domain)
Colorado River bend below Dead Horse Point

Field briefing

Dead Horse Point State Park changes fast with season and elevation.

Before you go

Use Dead Horse Point as the calmer Moab anchor when Arches and Canyonlands feel overbooked.

The park is small, but the payoff is immediate: rim walks, sunrise and sunset overlooks, and a campground decision that can simplify a packed Moab itinerary.

Best window
March to May and September to October for cooler desert hiking
Signature routes
Dead Horse Point Overlook, East Rim and West Rim trails
Pack focus
Water, weather checks, layers
Location
Utah
Best time
March to May and September to October for cooler desert hiking
Entrance
Utah state park entrance fee or pass required

Dead Horse Point State Park in photos

The visual landmarks and terrain that should shape the trip before you choose dates.

When to go

Weather, crowds, and what the season changes about the trip.

Spring

High crowds

Cool mornings, mild afternoons, and strong demand around Moab.

Pack Sun layer, wind layer, and early campground booking.

Summer

Moderate crowds

Very hot, exposed, and best for sunrise, sunset, or short walks.

Pack Maximum water capacity, sun shirt, electrolytes, and shade discipline.

Fall

High crowds

Comfortable hiking and biking weather with cool nights.

Pack Warm camp layer, headlamp, and shoulder-season reservation backup.

Winter

Low crowds

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

Colorado River bend below Dead Horse Point

Dead Horse Point Overlook

Easy

The main reason to come: a huge view over goosenecks of the Colorado River and layers of canyon country.

Layered cliffs and mesas at Dead Horse Point State Park

East Rim and West Rim trails

1 to 7 mi optionsModerate

Link the overlook system into a low-mileage but exposed desert rim hike with constant views.

Moab-area dark skies

Easy

Stay after sunset or camp in the park if you want the overlook experience without the day-use turnover.

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

Dead Horse Point State Park

Official park page with conditions, fees, reservations, and park contacts.

Utah reservation policies

Use this for system rules, fees, check-in details, and reservation terms.

Search Recreation.gov

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.

What to pack

Start with the gear decisions this park changes: footing, weather, camping, and water.

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.

  1. Dates and season are set.
  2. Primary route, campground, or lodge is chosen.
  3. Water, footwear, and overnight needs are sized.

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.

Getting there

Dead Horse Point sits northwest of Moab, near the road into Canyonlands Island in the Sky. Most travelers drive from Moab, then pair it with Canyonlands viewpoints or use it as a quieter overnight base above the busiest town corridor.

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.

Keep planning