Dead Horse Point

Plants and Animals: While wild horses no longer roam the mesa top, Dead Horse Point is home to a variety of wildlife and vegetation. From the microorganisms in the soil and our desert potholes to our much larger mammals and trees you are sure to see life in the desert during your visit to Dead Horse Point. With limited rain each year the plants and animals have learned to adapt. Many of the plants have learned to maximize water gain, while other will go dormant in times of drought. With the help of biological soil crusts the plants are able to take root in the ground. This soil is living and can take hundreds of years to develop. The animals in the park have learned other ways to adapt. Many will wait until the cooler temperatures of nighttime to hunt and forage for food. Others will travel for miles from one water source to the next. Survival in the desert is a delicate balance so please be respectfully of the plants and animals you encounter on your visit. Your park fees provide for the care, protection, and enhancement of this park. Park Entrance Fee: Is required at all times. It can be purchased in advance at https://parkspass.utah.gov The Legend of Dead Horse Point: According to one legend, the point was once used as a corral for wild mustangs roaming the mesa. Cowboys rounded up these horses and herded them across the narrow neck of land on to the point. The neck, which is only 30 yards wide, was then fenced off with branches and brush, creating a natural corral surrounded by precipitous cliffs. The cowboys then chose the horses they wanted and for reasons unknown, left the other horses corralled on the waterless point, where they died of thirst within view of the Colorado river 2,000 feet below. Kayenta Formation Sandstone from braided rivers Wingate Sandstone Jurassic Period 201-145 mya Chinle Formation Multi-colored slopes of clay from tropical lakes, streams, and swamps Moenkopi Formation Triassic Period 252 - 201 mya Cutler Group Permian Period 299 - 252 mya Geology: This sedimentary rock wonderland that you see here has been going through changes for millions of years. Each rock layer you see tells a different story of what this land use to be. With the help of erosion and the ever-cutting Colorado river these layers continue to show and teach us what life use to look like in this ever changing part of the Colorado Plateau. For Reservations call or go online: (800) 322-3770 or reserveamerica.com Operating Hours: The park is open from 6 am to 10 pm for day-use year-round. The visitor center is open 9 am to 5 pm daily. Visitor Center hours may vary in winter. Address Inquiries to: Dead Horse Point State Park PO Box 609 Moab, UT 84532 (435) 259-2614 or Utah State Parks and Recreation PO Box 146001 Salt Lake City, UT 84114 (801) 538-7220 Utah State Parks Mission: To enhance the quality of life by preserving and providing natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. Follow us: Facebook Honaker Trail Formation Dark gray limestones with fossils forming rugged slopes and ledges from shallow seas Pennsylvanian Period 323 - 299 mya Dead Horse Point State Park Instagram Website Last Updated 2023 Utah State Parks DEAD HORSE POINT STATE PARK Park Guidelines: Please observe the following park regulations to ensure everyone’s visit is pleasant. Drones: Are only allowed November through February. A permit is required. Camping: Camp only in designated areas. Quiet hours are 10pm to 7am. Fires: Only allowed in fire rings. The gathering of firewood is prohibited. Fireworks: Of any kind are not allowed inside the park. Parking: Only in designated areas. Pets: Must be on a leash. Please pick up after your pets. Hiking: All trails are easy to moderate Nature Trail: 0.25 mi. one way Paved interpretive walking trail with views of the La Sal Mountains and the Potash Ponds. East Rim Trail: 1.5 mi. one way Trail walks you along the east rim of the canyon where you will have continuous views of the canyon below. The trail leads to or from the Dead Horse Point Overlook. West Rim Trail: 3 mi. one way Hike through a pinyon juniper forest to or from Dead Horse Point Overlook with spurs that take you to views of the western rim and canyon below. Combine with the East rim for a nice 5 mile loop. Big Horn Overlook Trail: 1.25 mi. one way Spur trail off of the West Rim Trail leading to large desert potholes and a grand overlook. Desert View Overlook Trail: 0.5 mi. one way Hike along the rim past desert potholes to a distant look of the Colorado River. Dead Horse Point Loop: 1.25 mi. round trip Starting from the Dead Horse Point Overlook walk along the East or West rim crossing over at the neck for a nice 360° view of the canyons below. Region Map: Safety Tips: • Most overlooks are not fenced; use extreme caution along cliff edges! • Seek shelter in a building or vehicle during thunderstorms. • Stay on established trails. Follow signs and rock cairns (stacks of rocks). • DO NOT throw rocks or objects off the cliffs. • Drink plenty of water. One gallon per person per day is recommended. • Do not leave people or pets in vehicles. • In an emergency dial 911. • The nearest medical, gas, showers, and food are 32 miles away, so please plan accordingly. Mountain Biking: Easy Moderate Difficult Intrepid trail: 0.5 mi. Great Pyramid: 2.2 mi. Big Chief: 3.6 mi. Raven Roll: 1.7 mi. Crossroads: 1.7 mi. Whiptail: 2.6 mi. Twisted Tree: 1.5 mi. Prickly Pair: 3 mi. Map Key: Entrance Station Bathroom Overlook Campground Yurt Picnic Area Parking Lot Paved Road Hiking Trail Bike Trail MTB Mountain Bike Parking Lot