Rim Overlook Trail

Why go

A tiny investment (about two miles round-trip) buys you a front-row seat to everything Dead Horse Point is famous for—towering Wingate cliffs, the serpentine Colorado far below, and the La Sals floating on the horizon—without the tour-bus crowd that mobs the main point.

The route

From the Visitor Center, follow signed West Rim Trail markers past the campground and across slickrock until a short spur peels right to **Rim Overlook**. The walk is mostly level slickrock and packed desert soil; total distance is roughly **1 mile each way, 2 miles total** out-and-back. Expect 30–60 minutes of walking plus whatever gawking time you add at the edge.

Trail feel

Footing is generally easy, but the stone is uneven and there’s no guard-rail between you and a 2,000-foot void. Sun and wind are constants; shade disappears after the first few minutes. Leashed dogs are welcome, just keep them well back from the rim.

Worth it?

If you crave the big views but not the big crowds, absolutely. The overlook often sits empty while everyone else beelines to Dead Horse Point. The only real downsides are full exposure to sun and a few confusing junctions—pay attention to cairns and signs.