Dead Horse Point Overlook

Dead Horse Point delivers the single most famous river view in the Moab area: the Colorado sweeping through a giant gooseneck bend 2,000 feet below the point, framed by canyon walls that run to the horizon. It's the view most people picture when they imagine Canyonlands — conveniently located in its own state park next door.

From the main overlook near the point, rim trails run along both edges of the narrow mesa — the East Rim and West Rim trails link a series of named overlooks and can be walked as short out-and-backs or combined into a loop of up to about 5 miles from the visitor center.

Unlike the national parks, dogs are welcome on leash, and the paved main overlook is steps from the parking lot — this is the big view that everyone in the group can reach.

From Moab, drive 9 miles north on US-191, then 23 miles on UT-313 following signs to Dead Horse Point State Park (about 45 minutes). Entrance fee $20/vehicle (up to 8 people). The main overlook lot is at the end of the park road, 2 miles past the visitor center.

The main point overlook is a short paved walk from the lot. For more, the East Rim Trail (2 miles one way) and West Rim Trail (2.5 miles one way with spur overlooks) connect the point to the visitor center and can be combined as a loop of roughly 5 miles; all sections are gently rolling rim walking that can be sampled in any length. Watch the weather — the exposed rim is no place in lightning.