Dead Horse Point State Park: Moab’s Hidden Gem

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Spiriteds, have you ever gone somewhere on a whim? No map, no plan, no idea of how to get here? But you go and then you are SO SO SO glad you did it? Well, that’s what happened and how we felt when we visited Dead Horse Point State Park, a gorgeous stretch of land that neighbors Canyonlands National Park.

In fact, before we started our family road trip, we didn’t even know the park existed. It wasn’t until we checked into our hotel in Moab and the concierge said it was a must-do in the area, that the park entered our minds.

Hotel concierge likened it to a smaller version of Horseshoe Bend, which happened to be the last stop on our tour before we headed home. I was concerned, looking at our itinerary, that we might have to skip Horseshoe Bend if were waylaid at any point during our trip. So, I suggested to K-Hubs and the girls we add Dead Horse Point to our front-end itinerary, just in case, and they agreed.

Even though we still, thankfully, made it to Horseshoe Bend, I have no regrets about visiting this hidden Moab gem.

Land acknowledgement

If you’d like to learn more about the Indigenous Peoples who first called this place home, and whose histories have shaped the landscape we experience today, then visit Moab Museum’s Spirit and Grit: Dancing in Canyonlands. 

Planning your family visit to Dead Horse Point State Park

Dead Horse Point State Park, so named for an area legend that details horses falling to their death, is not nearly as large as Arches National Park or Canyonlands National Park. But, it’s still worth researching ahead of time to maximize opportunities while you’re there. The legend is heartbreaking for a park so breathtaking. 

Where is Dead Horse Point State Park, and how do we get there?

The Utah DNR has instructions for how to find the park. Dead Horse Point State Park is located in Moab, UT. As a point of reference: from our hotel, we took US Highway 191 north and then turned onto Utah 313 in the direction of the park. You’ll see a turn off for Dead Horse Point. 

What you need to enter the park (hint: national parks passes don’t count)

As of this writing, there is a $20 fee to enter Dead Horse Point State Park. And national parks passes, whether park-specific or all-inclusive, don’t count. 

How to navigate Dead Horse Point State Park: tips for families

There is no shuttle service in the state park, so you will need your own vehicle. There is a Visitor Center once you enter the park and modern bathrooms nearby. If you don’t bring a map with you, then pick one up from the rangers. You’ll be glad to have a paper copy since cell phone service inside the park is iffy. We also had a GPS tracker on hand.

Family-friendly hikes in Dead Horse Point State Park

Below are two of our favorite Dead Horse Point State Park hikes. However you choose to plan your day, you’ll experience breathtaking views of the Colorado River. This is a quick-win trip for families who need a straightforward, no frills park experience.

Dead Horse Point Overlook

Distance: Approximately 200 feet (0.06 km)

Difficulty: Easy

You are in for a treat on this hike. Expansive views of the meandering Colorado River take center stage. Photographs simply do not do it justice.

Colorado River Overlook

Distance: 1.3 mi (2.1 km)

Difficulty: Easy

This overlook demonstrates just how vast Dead Horse Point State Park is. We loved looking out at the solar evaporation ponds and seeing the cliffs all around us.

If you are interested in more hikes, then check out Grand Canyon Trust’s article, Dead Horse Point Trails.

How long do you need at Dead Horse Point State Park?

One to two days covers several hot spots of interest. Because we added this park to our itinerary completely on a whim the night before, we spent about half a day there, and even that short amount of time was worth the entrance fee.

Why visit Dead Horse Point State Park in March

The weather was cool and breezy and the crowds were few and far in between in March. We enjoyed unobstructed views of the Colorado River and unmitigated access to hiking trails. You’ll notice throughout these photos that at times it was cloudy and other times sunny. If you layer up and grab your hydration backpack, then you’ll be set to go!

What to bring and how to pack for Dead Horse Point State Park

Don’t let the words “state” and “park” fool you. Dead Horse Point State Park neighbors Canyonlands National Park. And because of that, it shares a lot of the same terrain and weather. Plan to pack belongings like you would for a larger national park. 

Below is a list of what we had on hand:

• Women’s thermal long johns and mens thermal long johns underneath hiking pants
• Water-resistant hiking boots
• Thick crew socks
• Long-sleeve shirts and lined windbreakers for warmth
• Winter hats, baseball caps, and activewear gloves
• GPS tracker
• Hydration backpacks
• Hiking backpacks
• Snacks: fruit strips, applesauce, granola, and dried fruit

K-Hubs found hiking pants at Target. He also found socks and a lined windbreaker at our local Sierra store. I found super-warm socks at our local Costco that served as backup to my crew socks.

Wait! Was that Thelma and Louise cliff?

Leading up to our road trip and during it, I kept joking, “Has anyone checked on Thelm and Lou? Has anyone checked on Harvey Keitel checking on Thelm and Lou?” I would launch into what I like to believe happened after the credits rolled. OBVIOUSLY, the Care Bears did a Care Bear Stare, turning the wheels of the Thunderbird into clouds so Thelm and Lou could land gently on the South Rim floor inside the Grand Canyon, where they have been peacefully picnicking EVER SINCE.

When we visited the Grand Canyon, I wondered how the movie was filmed there. It didn’t seem like a place one could easily send a car flying. When we got home from our trip, and I looked through photos, I stumbled upon location data that identified “Thelma and Louise Point.” Wait, what? Sure enough, according to my mapping data, we were within a half mile of where the car was sent flying in none other than Dead Horse Point State Park. And we didn’t even know it at the time!

Heading down a rabbit hole, I discovered we were near another filming location for the movie when we were in Arches National Park. Filming took place near Courthouse Towers, the Three Gossips, and Sheep Rock. Fortunately, since we didn’t know to look for Thelm and Lou in Dead Horse Point, their secret remains safe. Phew!

There is debate about where and in which exact park each filming location is. But, according to the Utah Film Commission on their page, Thelma & Louise: 30 Years Later, the famous final scene is in Dead Horse Point, no Care Bears in sight. I’m sticking with the film commission. 🙂

Our honest take: Is Dead Horse Point worth seeing?

YES! We are already planning a return trip to Moab, so we can revisit Arches, Dead Horse Point, and Canyonlands. I found the landscape invigorating, and I wanted to spend more time there so I could move at a slower pace, absorbing the scenery in due course. Spiriteds, if you have extra time in your Moab itinerary to take a side strut through Dead Horse Point, then PLEASE DO. It is mind-boggling to think this gorgeous land resides in the US.

So, yes, stay well and stay wild. Jump into the fun (like visiting a state park) whenever you can and always remember I’m glad you’re here. ❤️