National park · United States
Dead Horse Point State Park
Enter Dead Horse Point State Park for $20 vehicle fee (check) and hike the West Rim Trail (≈2 km (1.2 mi), easy) in the morning; visit in spring or fall to avoid 100 °F heat.Enter Dead Horse Point State Park for $20 vehicle fee (check) and hike the West Rim Trail (≈1.2 mi (2 km), easy) in the morning; visit in spring or fall to avoid 100 °F heat.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
8 km² (3 sq mi)3 sq mi (8 km²)
approximate
Established
1959
Best months
Mar–Apr, Sep–Oct
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 15Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
- Southwest ↗Most national parks here charge an entrance fee per vehicle; the nationwide annual pass pays off at three or more parks — check current prices.
- Southwest ↗Alcohol is banned on the Navajo Nation and in many pueblos; some Utah restaurants do not serve alcohol or coffee.
- Utah ↗Legal blood-alcohol limit is 0.05%, lower than any other US state; liquor is sold in state-run stores only.
- Utah ↗Some shops and restaurants close on Sunday in smaller towns; national-park services run daily.
- Utah ↗Carry at least 1 gallon (about 4 L) of water per person per day in the desert; summer heat in the south exceeds 38 °C.
- Canyon Country ↗Most visitors buy the America the Beautiful annual pass (2026 estimate US$80) instead of paying per-vehicle fees at each park; check current prices.
- Canyon Country ↗Arches and Zion have used timed-entry or shuttle systems in peak season; check the park site for your dates before you commit to a day.
- Canyon Country ↗Carry more water than you think you need; services between towns are thin and summer heat is the main hazard.
At a glance
- Country
- United States
- Area
- 8 km² (3 sq mi)3 sq mi (8 km²)
- Approximate park boundary and facility locations; official Utah State Parks map used.
- Established
- 1959
- Best months
- Mar–Apr, Sep–Oct
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Moab
Dead Horse Point State Park offers dramatic canyon vistas with short, easy trails, making it a quick stop for visitors to Moab and nearby national parks.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1959.
Size and age
8 km² (3 sq mi)3 sq mi (8 km²) · national park since 1959
Approximate park boundary and facility locations; official Utah State Parks map used.
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Moab.
Why go
- Panoramic view of the Colorado River from a high peninsula.
- Easy short trails with dramatic cliffs.
- Proximity to Arches and Canyonlands for a multi‑park itinerary.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebGo
- MarBest
- AprBest
- MayCaution
- JunCaution
- JulAvoid
- AugAvoid
- SepBest
- OctBest
- NovGo
- DecGo
- JanCold but clear; trails dry.
- FebCool, fewer visitors.
- MarSpring, mild temps.
- AprWarm, low heat.
- MayHeat rises; early mornings best.
- JunTemps often >100 °F.
- JulVery hot; risk of dehydration.
- AugPeak summer heat.
- SepFall cooling, clear skies.
- OctMild, less crowd.
- NovCool, occasional snow.
- DecCold, quiet.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desert bighorn sheepMar–Oct · Often seen on cliffs. | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Raptors (e.g., red‑tailed hawk)All year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor Center & West Rim | Panoramic overlook, restrooms, water fountains, short West Rim Trail. | Open daily; fee required. |
| Campground | 21 sites with picnic tables and fire rings (no open fires). | Reservation recommended in summer. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates from Utah State Parks official site; approximate for visitor center and overlook.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle entry fee | US$20 | vehicle | 2026 estimate; check official NPS site. |
| Per‑person fee (if no vehicle) | US$10 | person | Check. |
| Campground site (21 sites) | US$15–30 | site | Seasonal rates; check. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Backcountry camping no permit
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- US$20
- US$10
- US$15–30
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on Utah State Parks – Dead Horse Point before you go.
Park rules
- Pets
- Allowed on leash no longer than 6 ft; must stay on trails.
- Drones
- Not permitted without a permit from Utah State Parks.
- Camping fires
- No open fires; use provided fire rings with charcoal only.
- Off‑trail hiking
- Prohibited; stay on marked paths to protect fragile desert.
- Vehicle parking
- Park only in designated lots; no overnight parking.
Where to stay
Near the park
Moab town
Hotels, hostels, and campgrounds 15 km (9.3 mi) east.Hotels, hostels, and campgrounds 9.3 mi (15 km) east.
In the park
Dead Horse Campground
21 primitive sites with picnic tables.
Safety
Heat and dehydration high
Cliff fall medium
Flash flood medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Visitor center restrooms are wheelchair accessible.
- West Rim Trail has a short, paved section but includes stairs; limited for mobility impairments.
Visiting lightly
- Stay on trails to protect desert crust.
- Pack out all trash; use provided recycling bins.
- Use refillable water bottles; water fountains are available.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Dead Horse Point State Park?
Vehicle entry is $20 (check); walkers pay $10 per person (check). Fees cover access to the overlook and trails.
What are the best hikes in Dead Horse Point State Park?
West Rim Trail (2 km, easy) and the short Dead Horse Point Trail (≈1 km, easy) provide the best views with minimal effort.
When is the best time to visit Dead Horse Point State Park?
Spring (Mar–May) and fall (Sep–Oct) offer mild temperatures and clear skies; avoid July–August heat.
Can I camp inside the park?
Yes, the park has a 21‑site campground; reserve in summer, no open fires allowed.
Is a permit required for backcountry hiking?
No permit is needed for the short trails; backcountry routes beyond the park boundary require separate permits.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Dead Horse Point State Park
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