Dead Horse Point State Park
A Charming Park Between Canyonlands National Park and Moab, UT
How to get there, views, facilities, and more.
Dead Horse Point State Park may have a morbid name, but this small Utah state park has stunning views of the Colorado River and the La Salle mountains. It also has RV camping facilities, which makes the park the perfect base camp for those wishing to explore the surrounding area, such as Canyonlands National Park.
How to Get There
Located about 20 miles west of Moab, the park can be easily found by following local signage from highway 191 leading north out of Moab. View point pull offs along the way offer spectacular views of red rock formations and the La Salle mountains in the distance.
Fees and Visitor Center
Once arriving at the park, there is a fee station at the main entrance. The fee for a single vehicle is $10 for the day, but if one decides to bike into the park, then the fee is reduced to $4. During the winter months the fee can be paid at the park visitor center, where one can purchase books, posters, and souvenirs, as well as view natural history displays. An observation deck provides the visitor with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and rock formations. The visitors center also has flush-toilet restrooms.
The Story Behind the Name
During the 1800s cowboys would corral wild mustang horses into a small overlook with a narrow neck, about thirty feet wide. By blocking off the rest of the neck, the point became a natural corral, with the cliff sides dropping 2,000 feet to the valley below. At one point some of the mustangs were left in the corral over the winter, and died from the lack of water and food.
Today visitors can either drive or hike to the overlook and take in spectacular views, and gaze at the dizzying drop to the valley floor, where the Colorado River makes a sharp bend in the riverbank on its long journey to the Grand Canyon.
Amenities
Dead Horse Point offers 21 camping spots for those who are car camping or have recreational vehicles. The campsites have charcoal pits for barbecuing, and there are toilets throughout the park. At least one site is handicapped accessible; reservations should be made in advance. According to Lee Sjoblom, senior park ranger, people chose to camp at Dead Horse Point because of the facilities available and the close proximity to other parks such as Canyonlands.
Special Considerations
When visiting the park, keep in mind that all of the water available on the site is trucked in from Moab. This means that amenities such as water fountains and bathrooms are available, but no showers. Those who are planning to stay in the park overnight or for several days may want to consider bringing extra water in with them. Dead Horse Point Park receives a lot of sunlight, even in winter months, so bringing sun protection such as suntan lotion and a hat are a good idea. In the summertime, lightning can be a hazard.
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