Pros & cons
PROS
- Quieter than the main Dead Horse Point overlook with equally grand views
- Multiple rim perches for varied photo angles and compositions
CONS
- Fully exposed—little to no shade and harsh midday heat
- Short spur may feel too brief if you’re seeking a longer hike
Park at Dead Horse Point Overlook and take the West Rim Trail; follow the signed spur to Shafer Canyon Overlook.
Exposed slickrock near sheer drop-offs; little shade. Carry water, use sun protection, and keep well back from cliff edges.
Why hike it
If you want the sweeping drama of Dead Horse country without the crowds at the main point, this short spur delivers. It drops you at a cliff-edge vantage with panoramic views into Shafer Canyon and down toward the Colorado River—classic red-rock “layer cake” geology on full display.
The route
This is a signed spur off the park’s West Rim Trail. Plan on roughly 1.0 mile total out-and-back (about 0.5 mile one way) to the overlook itself. The path is easy to follow on packed dirt and slickrock, with minimal elevation change, but footing is uneven near the rim. Many hikers fold this spur into a larger West/East Rim loop; otherwise, it’s a fast there-and-back.
Scenery and vibe
Expect big, open canyon country and fewer people than the main Dead Horse Point overlook. Multiple vantage points let you wander for different angles—take your time exploring the rim for the best compositions and to peek at the famous Shafer canyon system below.
Best time to go
Spring and fall have the most comfortable temps. In summer, this exposed mesa bakes—go early or late. For photography, late afternoon light warms the cliffs and brings out texture and color.
Tips
- Bring water and sun protection; there’s little to no shade.
- Watch for cairns and signed side paths—there are several short spurs along the West Rim worth adding (Meander, Rim, Basin).
- Stay well back from cliff edges; drop-offs are sheer.
A little context
The overlook peers into terrain shaped by eons of erosion—layered sandstone and shale carved by the Colorado River system. The canyon’s name nods to the Shafer family, who turned older footpaths into stock routes; later uranium-era road work expanded access in this country.
Is it worth it?
Yes. It’s quick, easy, and delivers big views with a quieter feel than the park’s headline overlook. If you’re up for more, link it into the West Rim to sample several viewpoints in one go.
Elevation
1 mi · 30 minWhere it starts
38.5054, -109.7294Near Shafer Canyon Overlook Trail
All places →All trails →
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 mi awayRim Overlook TrailShort spur to wide-open canyon vistas perched 2,000 feet above riverEasy · 2 mi · 1 hr
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
