A trip to Dead Horse Point State Park is a must for families visiting the northern reaches of Canyonlands. Here, 300 million years of geological history are revealed. Yet you need not be a geology buff to enjoy this small corner of paradise. Dead Horse Point boasts the best views of the Colorado River from the rim. And the panorama is even more spectacular than the images on the movie screen be it Thelma and Louise or Mission Impossible II. Be sure to pack a picnic dinner. Sunsets at this Utah state park are extraordinaire.
Dead Horse Point State Park is located in southeast Utah and is situated 32 miles (52 km) west of Moab. The park entrance is accessible from SR313. There is no public transport service to Dead Horse Point State Park; unless you are participating in an organized tour you will need a vehicle to reach this Utah park. The nearest full service airports are in Grand Junction, Colorado and Salt Lake City, Utah, a 2 and 4 hour drive respectively. The small Moab Airport, situated 11 miles (26km) north of the park entrance, offers limited commercial service. The nearest Amtrak train stations are in Grand Junction, Colorado and Green River, Utah.
There are 10 miles (16 km) of hiking trails at Dead Horse Point. All trails, including the two loop trails, are graded easy and weave a path along the mesa top. None of the trails descend below the rim.
The climate at Dead Horse State Park is high desert. Summers are hot and dry; the average high is 95°F or 35°C and peak heat hours are between 13:00 and 16.00. Winters are cool and snowfall is possible. Evening temperatures are significantly lower than the daytime high. Plan to dress in layers whether you visit in June or December. Strenuous outdoor activities, such as hiking, are best in spring and fall but are doable in summer if you set out in the early.
Heat exhaustion, dehydration and improper footwear are the principal health risks at Utah parks. Wear sturdy shoes, a light, long-sleeved shirt and broad-brimmed hat. Apply high factor sunscreen to all exposed areas - including nose, ears, and toes - before you set out and repeat applications throughout the day. Carry plenty of water (4 liters per person per day is recommended when hiking in summer). Select a trail that is commensurate with the age and ability of the least skilled walker.
Dead Horse Point State Park is open from 6:00 to 22:00 year-round. The Visitor Center is open from 8:00 to 18:00 in summer and 8:00 to 17:00 in winter. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Ranger-led interpretive programs are offered weekend evenings (Friday-Sunday) May through September, weather permitting. Many of the programs are family-oriented and offer kids a chance to earn a junior ranger badge. The program schedule is posted at the park Visitor Center.