Pros & cons
PROS
- Quieter rim views over Shafer Canyon
- Slickrock potholes that come alive after rain
- Leashed dogs are allowed on the approach trail
CONS
- No facilities at the overlook; park and start at the Visitor Center
- Exposed sun, cliff edges, and cairn-based routefinding near the end
Overview
If you’ve already done the park’s headline viewpoints, Big Horn Overlook is the quiet, rewarding detour. It sits above Shafer Canyon at the end of a spur off the West Rim Trail, delivering big canyon country without big crowds.
What You'll See
Expect broad views into Shafer Canyon and a dramatic potholed slickrock ridge at the tip. An eroded rock fin in the distance gives the overlook its name—those “horns” are part of the fun visual quirk here.
The Hike
Most people start from the Visitor Center (trail access is just behind the restrooms) or from Kayenta Campground. It’s roughly 3 miles round-trip, generally easy to moderate: sandy tread transitions to open slickrock near the end, where you follow cairns to the overlook. There’s no railing at the rim, and sections feel airy—keep kids and pups close. Plan about 1–1.5 hours at a relaxed pace.
Wildlife and Little Wonders
After a rain, the natural potholes on the slickrock can host tiny fairy shrimp and tadpoles—mini desert aquariums worth kneeling down for. Typical high-desert sightings include lizards and ravens; desert bighorn sheep live in the area but are more often spotted down in the canyon than from the rim.
Know Before You Go
There are no services at the overlook itself—no water, restrooms, or shade—so fill up and use facilities at the Visitor Center before you head out. Signage is decent but not foolproof; pay attention on the slickrock and follow cairns to avoid wandering. Winds can kick up on the rim, and summer heat is real.
Best Time to Visit
Go early or late for cooler temps and softer light; sunset can be gorgeous on the canyon walls. Weekdays see fewer people. The park is generally open 6 AM–10 PM; plan your timing accordingly. If you’re curious about the pothole life, visit after a recent rain.
Where it is
38.4963, -109.7479Tips for Big Horn Overlook
- 01Start at the Visitor Center—trail access is just behind the restrooms.
- 02Bring plenty of water and sun protection; there’s no shade or water en route.
- 03On the slickrock, follow cairns carefully to stay on course.
- 04Visit after rain to see fairy shrimp and tadpoles in the potholes.
- 05Aim for sunrise or sunset for better light and cooler temps.
Amenities
Near Big Horn Overlook
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayBig Horn Overlook TrailShort spur to horn-shaped rim overlook with pothole pools and solitudeEasy · 3 mi · 1.1 hr
0.5 mi awayEast Rim OverlookQuiet rim viewpoint with big canyon-and-river vistasScenic Viewpoint
0.8 mi awayIntrepid TrailBeginner-friendly desert singletrack loop with big canyon views.Easy · 10 mi · 3 hr
0.8 mi awayKayenta CampgroundSmall, quiet rim-top base with hookups and stellar dark skiesTrailhead · Restroom
0.9 mi awayWingate CampgroundMesa-top campsites with hookups, big views and dark-sky nightsCampground · Restroom
1.2 mi awayShafer CanyonCliff-edge views of legendary Shafer Trail switchbacks and canyon depthsTrailhead · Pullout
1.2 mi awayShafer Canyon Overlook TrailShort spur to huge Shafer Canyon views, quieter than the Point.Easy · 1 mi · 30 min
1.2 mi awayWest Rim TrailMesa-top slickrock ramble linking uncrowded overlooks and Dead Horse PointEasy · 3.6 mi · 2.5 hr
