Pros & cons
PROS
- Fast payoff—canyon views within a minute of leaving the patio
- Interpretive signs make a great crash-course in local geology
CONS
- Always busy; zero chance of solitude
- Too short to satisfy seasoned hikers unless used as a warm-up
Large paved visitor center lot off UT-313; trailhead is behind the building.
Uneven slickrock near unfenced cliff edges and intense midday heat even on a short walk.
What to Expect
This **0.2-mile loop (total distance)** begins on the patio of Dead Horse Point State Park’s visitor center and circles a patch of slickrock dotted with juniper. In less than ten minutes you reach two unfenced overlooks that drop 2,000 feet to the Colorado River—postcard vistas with almost zero effort. Interpretive panels explain the geologic layer-cake and cowboy lore that gave the park its name.
Who Will Like It
- First-timers who want a taste of the scenery before deciding on longer rim hikes.
- Families with kids or anyone needing a leg-stretch after the drive up UT-313.
Good to Know
The route is mostly flat but the tread is uneven sandstone; strollers and wheelchairs can manage the first paved section only. Go counter-clockwise for instant views. Expect crowds—this is the park’s busiest spot.
Logistics
Park in the large lot at the visitor center; the trail starts right behind the building. No additional permits beyond the standard park fee. Dogs are welcome on a leash.
Where it starts
38.5054, -109.7294Near Dead Horse Visitors Center Loop
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
