Dead Horse Point State Park is situated 32 miles (52 km) from Moab and the entrance to the park is accessible from SR 313. Unless you are participating in an organized tour you will need a car to reach this state park, even from downtown Moab. 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 State Park. All weave a path along the rim, none of the trails descend into Canyonlands.

The climate at Dead Horse State Park is high desert. Summers are hot and dry with an average high in the mid 90s°F (35°C). Winters are cool and snowfall is possible. Evening temperatures are significantly lower than the daytime high throughout the year. 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 they are doable in summer if you set out in the early morning or late afternoon and beat the heat between 13:00 and 16.00.

Heat exhaustion, dehydration and improper footwear are the main cause of search and rescue incidents at most southeast Utah parks. Wear sturdy shoes, light long-sleeved shirts and a hat with a brim. Apply high factor sunscreen to all exposed areas, including your child's 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) and select a trail that is commensurate with the age and ability of the kids. A closed vehicle is one of the safest places to be during a lightning storm. If you are unable to reach your vehicle go to a low-lying area. Keep away from open areas, high spots, tall objects and trees.

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 except for 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.

A day use fee is charged per vehicle. Camping is charged separately. Ranger-led programs are free of charge.