Dead Horse Point Overlook
A breathtaking state park overlook offering panoramic views of the Colorado River's gooseneck bend and dramatic canyon landscapes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light paints the canyons
Dead Horse Point Overlook
Best Time
Magical light paints the canyons
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking state park overlook offering panoramic views of the Colorado River's gooseneck bend and dramatic canyon landscapes.
"Underrated mini Grand Canyon that’s much less busy!"
🌅 Catch the Golden Hour
Arrive early for sunrise or sunset to witness the most spectacular light show over the canyons.
🚗 Drive to the End
The main overlook is at the very end of UT-313, about an 8-minute drive from the park entrance.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dead Horse Point Overlook
End of UT-313
Iconic viewpoint with a dramatic panorama of the Colorado River's gooseneck bend and vast canyonlands.
Potash Ponds View
Visible from overlook
See the striking, colorful geometric patterns of the potash evaporation ponds from above.
Thelma & Louise Cliff
Near overlook
Visit the spot where the iconic car scene from the movie 'Thelma & Louise' was filmed.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Views
Beyond the Main Overlook
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Catch the Golden Hour
Arrive early for sunrise or sunset to witness the most spectacular light show over the canyons.
🚗 Drive to the End
The main overlook is at the very end of UT-313, about an 8-minute drive from the park entrance.
📸 Tripod-Friendly Spots
The flat area below the main lookout is perfect for setting up a tripod for stunning photos.
✨ Explore Beyond Fences
Carefully climb over rocks for unique, fence-free photo angles, but always prioritize safety.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Catch the Golden Hour
Arrive early for sunrise or sunset to witness the most spectacular light show over the canyons.
🚗 Drive to the End
The main overlook is at the very end of UT-313, about an 8-minute drive from the park entrance.
📸 Tripod-Friendly Spots
The flat area below the main lookout is perfect for setting up a tripod for stunning photos.
✨ Explore Beyond Fences
Carefully climb over rocks for unique, fence-free photo angles, but always prioritize safety.
🌌 Stargazing Gem
As an International Dark Sky Park, the night sky here is incredible for stargazing.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Dead Horse Point State Park for its breathtaking, 'mini Grand Canyon' views that rival more famous national parks but with fewer crowds. The overlook is easily accessible, making it a hit for all ages, and the stargazing opportunities are exceptional. Some note that amenities are limited and camping sites can be windy.
"We loved seeing this state park. It was beautiful. Located between Canyonlands and Arches, it gets lost in the mix but is well worth seeing. There were several interesting hikes but they mostly only offer different perspectives on the main site. We stayed in the Dead Horse Campground. Arrived at dark - bad idea!!! The morning revealed a beautiful large site with a weather-protected picnic table. The campground has a community dump station but only electricity at the sites. No water."
K M
"We visited the Dead Horse National Park. It was just beautiful! We drove up to the top point and enjoyed a picnic lunch under an overhang with cliff seating and benches in the shade. The restroom was clean and beautifully tiled walls. We saw the place where the Thelma & Louise car was driven off the cliff for the movie too!"
Retired “Foodie” Lady
"Underrated mini Grand Canyon that’s much less busy! We stayed in a yurt in the campgrounds and it was fantastic. There was Ac in the unit and a little sky light in the middle! Saw the most amazing starry sky! Very close spectacular drive to arches as well!"
Hailey Anderson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
To reach Dead Horse Point Overlook from Moab, take UT-191 North and then turn left onto UT-313 West. Continue on UT-313 for about 8 miles until you reach the end of the road where the overlook is located.
Yes, Dead Horse Point State Park is conveniently located between Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, making it an easy addition to your itinerary.
The drive to Dead Horse Point State Park is scenic, winding through desert landscapes. The final stretch on UT-313 leads directly to the overlook.
Yes, RVs can access Dead Horse Point State Park and the main overlook. Some of the campground sites may require parking your RV nearby and carrying gear.
Currently, there is no public transportation directly to Dead Horse Point State Park. A personal vehicle is the most common way to visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for Dead Horse Point State Park is $20 per vehicle. This fee grants access to the park for a full day.
Reservations are not typically required for day use at Dead Horse Point Overlook, but it's always a good idea to check the official Utah State Parks website for any updates or special event closures.
Dead Horse Point State Park is generally open year-round from sunrise to sunset for day use. Campground hours may vary.
No, Dead Horse Point State Park is a Utah State Park, so National Park Passes (like the America the Beautiful Pass) are not valid for entry. You will need to pay the separate state park entrance fee.
Information on discounts is not widely available, but typically state parks offer passes for frequent visitors or specific resident discounts. Check the Utah State Parks website for details.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the Dead Horse Point Overlook with its stunning views. There are also hiking and biking trails, camping facilities, and opportunities for stargazing.
Yes, the main overlook is easily accessible and offers incredible views without strenuous hiking, making it suitable for families and visitors of all ages.
Yes, there are clean restrooms available near the main overlook area.
Absolutely! Dead Horse Point offers several hiking and biking trails, including the West Rim Trail, which provides different perspectives of the canyon.
It's a photographer's paradise, especially during sunrise and sunset. The dramatic landscapes and light offer endless opportunities for stunning shots.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants within Dead Horse Point State Park. Visitors are advised to bring their own food and drinks.
Yes, picnicking is a popular activity. There are designated picnic areas with tables, some offering shade and cliffside seating.
The nearest dining options are in Moab, which offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores.
Potable water is available at the campground's dump station, but not at individual campsites. It's recommended to bring plenty of water with you.
There are no concessions or stores within the park. It's best to purchase any food or drinks before entering.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography, with golden hour casting beautiful colors on the canyons.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive vistas. A tripod is highly recommended for low-light conditions and long exposures.
The main overlook is iconic, but exploring the rocky areas near the overlook can yield unique perspectives. The bend in the Colorado River is a key subject.
Drone usage is typically restricted in Utah State Parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check the official park regulations before flying a drone.
The potash ponds are best viewed from the main overlook, offering a unique aerial perspective of their geometric patterns.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families interested in a bit more activity, the West Rim Trail offers a relatively easy hiking option with beautiful scenery. The park's status as an International Dark Sky Park also presents a unique opportunity for families to experience incredible stargazing, a truly magical experience for kids.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
While the main viewpoint is popular, don't hesitate to explore the surrounding rocky areas for unique angles and compositions. The potash ponds also offer a distinctive photographic subject. For those seeking to capture the night sky, the park's designation as an International Dark Sky Park makes it ideal for astrophotography.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
The main overlook offers a spectacular payoff with minimal effort, perfect for a quick but impactful visit. Consider timing your visit for sunrise or sunset to maximize the visual impact. Pack snacks and drinks, as amenities are limited within the park. The drive along UT-313 itself is scenic, adding to the overall road trip experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Overlook Experience
For the best photographic opportunities, sunrise and sunset are highly recommended. During these times, the low-angle sun bathes the sandstone cliffs in warm, golden light, creating a spectacular display of colors and shadows. Many visitors bring tripods to capture long exposures and the subtle shifts in light. Some adventurous visitors also note that carefully navigating the rocks near the main viewpoint can offer unique, fence-free perspectives for photos.
It's worth noting that while the main overlook is the primary draw, the park also offers other viewpoints and trails that provide different angles and insights into the geological formations. The sheer scale and beauty of the landscape are often described as humbling and unforgettable.
Beyond the View: History and Nature
The park is also recognized as an International Dark Sky Park, making it an exceptional destination for stargazing. Far from city lights, the night sky here is incredibly clear, offering a breathtaking view of the Milky Way and countless stars. Visitors often report seeing the most amazing starry skies, a truly humbling experience.
Geologically, the park showcases the power of erosion and the unique formations of the Colorado Plateau. You can also spot the distinctive potash ponds, large, colorful evaporation ponds used for mineral extraction, which create striking geometric patterns visible from the overlook.
The park's proximity to both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks makes it a convenient stop to experience a different facet of Utah's iconic desert scenery. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit