Pros & cons
PROS
- Unique alligator-back slickrock section
- Noticeably cooler than Moab thanks to 6,000 ft elevation
- Bike racks at major overlooks make shared use easier
CONS
- No water or shade once on trail
- Cliff edges appear suddenly beside narrow tread
Dead Horse Point Visitor Center main lot; trail spur leaves from north end.
Carry all water, leash pets, and keep kids from unguarded rim drops.
What to expect
The Big Chief loop is the outer, and most adventurous, circuit of Dead Horse Point’s Intrepid Trail System. From the visitor-center lot you roll out on a short connector, then commit to roughly **5.5 mi of single-track (total loop distance)** perched around 6,000 ft. The opening half-mile throws a few short, punchy climbs and the first taste of the trademark “alligator-back” slickrock—rippled Navajo sandstone that feels like walking a frozen wave. Once you’re on the rim the grade relaxes and the miles flow by with **uninterrupted canyon panoramas**.
Who will like it—who won’t
Intermediate hikers and confident beginners get the sweet spot here: just technical enough to stay interesting, never so hard that it turns into chore. Families used to uneven ground do fine, but the cliff edge sneaks up in places and there’s almost zero shade. If you hate exposure, blazing sun, or sharing track with the occasional mountain bike, pick another loop.
Logistics
Plan on **about 3 hours of walking**; bring every drop of water you’ll need—no sources on the mesa. A Utah State Park entry fee is required, but no additional permits. Dogs are welcome on a leash. Bike racks sit at the big overlooks so everyone can wander to the viewpoints together. Expect cell service to be spotty, and carry a map or download the track.
Bottom line
For half-a-day’s effort you get slickrock play, quiet tread, and mile-wide vistas. If you’re already in the park, skipping Big Chief would be a mistake.
Where it starts
38.5054, -109.7294Wildlife on this trail
Near Big Chief Trail
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayShafer Canyon Overlook TrailShort spur to huge Shafer Canyon views, quieter than the Point.Easy · 1 mi · 30 min
0 mi awayWest Rim TrailMesa-top slickrock ramble linking uncrowded overlooks and Dead Horse PointEasy · 3.6 mi · 2.5 hr
0 mi awayMeander Overlook TrailShort spur to a quieter rim view of the Colorado’s big U-turnEasy · 1.6 mi · 45 min
0 mi awayThe Colorado Overlook TrailMicrosized stroll to rim’s signature Colorado River panoramaEasy · 0.1 mi · 15 min
0.2 mi awayDead Horse Point State Park Mountain Bike RentalsTrailhead bike rentals for scenic, beginner-friendly mesa singletrackTrailhead · Restroom
0.6 mi awayPyramid Canyon OverlookQuiet rim viewpoint on the Great Pyramid loop with big canyon viewsScenic Viewpoint
0.8 mi awayDead Horse Point State Park Entrance StationPay your fee and grab a map at the gateEntrance Station · Pullout
1.1 mi awayBig Chief OverlookQuiet rim overlook with potash mine views and distant La SalsScenic Viewpoint
