Family Travel and Things to do in Dead Horse Point State Park with Kids

Dead Horse Point State Park near Moab Utah is one of those absolutely stunning locations where the scenery is so amazing that it just doesn’t seem real. This State Park is a wonderful addition to any Moab trip and is one of the best Things to Do in Moab with families.

 Where is Dead Horse Point State Park Located?

Dead Horse Point State park is about 40 minutes outside of Moab on the way to Canyonlands National Park.  The location makes it a perfect stop to add to a Canyonlands visit or after driving Shafer Trail or Gemini Bridges Road (both need AWD vehicles).

Dead Horse Point is located on a plateau overlooking the Colorado River 2000 feet below and the Shafer Trail portion of Canyonlands National Park.  The dramatic drop to the Colorado River and the horse bend in the river make this a very photogenic area.  The drive to the canyon top can be very disorientating.  It feel like normal flat land then all of a sudden – where did the ground go?

 

What is the History Behind Dead Horse Point State Park and why the Awful Name?

 

Really Dead Horse Point should be named something like perfection park or the best view ever park but it’s not, it’s Dead Horse Point.  Names generally are not much of a problem but for my family this one is.   First, getting the kids excited about visiting a place called Dead Horse Park – well, it’s a struggle.  Second, the vegetarian middle kid and sensitive 6 year old were way more focused on dead horses then the fabulous views.  

“Horses died here?” – with a lip matching quivers

I could  have lied about the name – but they all can read now.  Which meant a lot of discussions about sad dead horses and less discussion about the canyons, the views, and other interesting parts to the park.

Dead Horse Point State Park got its name when a group of cowboys chased wild mustangs and corralled them on the peninsula and blocking the horses escape with fencing.  Then apparently the cowboys did not feed them or give them water so the horses all died (staring at the water 2000 feet below).

 

Movies and TV Shows Filmed in Dead Horse Point State Park, the Canyons Below, and Surrounding Area

 

Numerous Movies and TV shows have been filmed in the area.  The area is just made to be on screen.  Dead Horse Point is often uses as a substitute for the Grand Canyon due to being more photogenic because you can see both sides.  The most famous scene is likely the ending scene from Thelma on Louise.  Other movies and TV show filmed in the area include: 

• Westworld 
• Mission: Impossible 
• The Greatest Story Ever Told
• The Lone Ranger
• Joe Dirt 
• Warlock

How Much Time Should I Spend in Dead Horse Point?

 If you just want to get some good photos and watch an amazing sunset then 30 minutes is OK for a stop.   However, I would recommend 2 hours to hike or bike longer if you want to do both or go on longer trails.

What is the Weather like in Dead Horse Point?

Weather in the Moab area of Utah is generally pretty stable.  Expect days in the summer to get really hot (over 100 degrees with very little shade) and nights on the chilly side.  Winter can be chilly as well.  The best time to visit is usually fall or spring when daytime temps are between 60-80 degrees and perfect for exploring.  It does not rain often in Moab but if there is rain you should be extra careful on hikes and in canyon areas.

Dead Horse Point Safety

Dead Horse Point is safe in most areas for family hikes as long as you don’t have any preschool runners.  The park is set on the edge of a canyon so if you have small kids that like to take off – this is not the park for you.  As long as your family is aware of its surroundings and is not prone to leaping off of cliffs, you will be fine.  

Always wear sun protective clothing and sunscreen in Moab parks.  Pack an adequate water supply as well.  Pack more water than you think you will need.  A small first aid kit is always nice to have.

Family Friendly Things to do in Dead Horse Point State Park

Dead Horse Point is a smaller park compared to the huge parks of Arches and Canyonlands that are nearby but there is still a lot of fun things to do.  

Take in the Views

The views are the main reason to visit Dead Horse Point and the views are amazing.   Park near the visitors center and wander around,  There are views everywhere.  If you have just a short trip then drive to the end of the road to see the most popular view of the canyon in a walled area.  Do more than take your photo and go, hang out and enjoy!

Photography

Bring your best landscape cameras for you trip to  Dead Horse Park, although honestly you don’t really need them.  Even a good quality phone can get fantastic photos here. Sunrise and sunset are the best times to get a good picture.  Later in the afternoon is a good choice too.  Mid-day can be pretty hot and your photos may looked more washed out from intense direct sunlight. 

Watch the Sunset at Dead Horse Point

Dead Horse Point at sunset is just magical.  The views and shadows change as the sun dips.  It’s a pretty special experience.  Consider finding a place away from the main point to have a little more privacy.  Once you find your spot, stay calm and relax. Both times we watched the sunset we had small children and stayed in the main point lookout so they couldn’t climb to a dangerous spot.  It was still great – just may be not as quet and not as relaxing as I would like.

 

Hiking Dead Horse Point

 

Dead Horse Point has several hiking trails from some very easy .5 mile jaunts to longer trails that are several miles with more moderate terrain.

The Trails are (complete list here):

• Dead Horse Point Overlook Trail – 200 feet, very easy with the most popular views
• Visitor Center Trail – 1/8  mile easy hike around the visitors center
• Colorado  River Overlook – Easy 1 mile loop near the visitors center
• East Rim Trail System – 2 miles each way, alternative to driving to the end of the road
• West Rim Trail System – About 3 miles each way, moderate hike that is not always well marked but has amazing views that are more secluded.

Biking Dead Horse Point

Dead Horse Point is a wonderful place for an easy family friendly trail.  Biking trails in the area consist of 16 miles of non-moterized single track bike trails of varying lengths and difficulty.  Bike rentals are available on site but may need reservations.

The biking trail that we went on was relatively easy and very pretty.  I would not bring kids that do not have full control over thier bikes since there are no guard rails protecting uncontrolled kids from going off a ledge but otherwise it’s a really nice trail.  

Visit the Visitors Center

I love stopping by visitors centers at all parks.  Learning about the history, geology and wildlife prior to exploring a park can make a park visit even more enjoyable.

Camping

Dead Horse Point has camping in the park including RV and tent sites.  They also have several yurts which can be a very special experience.  The stars at night in this area are amazing.  Reservations are through Reserve America.

 

Dead Horse Park Details

Official Website for Dead Horse Point

Cost to Get in:  $20 per vehicle (even if you’re just stopping by to watch the sunset)

Open Year Round 6am to 10pm

Visitor Center is open 9-5

 

Dead Horse Point is a must-do addition to a Moab family vacation.  It’s an easy stop and not too far from other must see places.  Dead Horse Park has one of the most a amazing views in the country.   

We’re a family of 5 (Physician Assistant mom, IT project manager dad and 3 kids ages 3,6,10) taking a gap year from normal life to travel.  For blog posts, locations, and more information on how we did it and how you can to click here.