Pros & cons
PROS
- Quieter than the park’s rim promenades
- Color-coded posts make getting lost nearly impossible
CONS
- Fully exposed—zero shade or water
- Frequent mountain-bike traffic on blind turns
Use the Intrepid Trail System lot near Moenkopi Yurts/Bighorn bike area along the main park road.
Expose slickrock with no water; start early in summer and watch for fast-moving bikes on corners.
Why go
A compact hit of classic Moab slickrock, Twisted Tree is the most challenging segment of Dead Horse Point’s Intrepid Trail System—but "challenging" here is relative. The 1.6-mile lollipop loop (total mileage) meanders across hard-packed dirt and sandstone plates, flirting with 2,000-foot canyon drop-offs for postcard views without subjecting you to long climbs.
Trail feel
Expect a twisty singletrack shared with mountain bikers. The tread is mostly smooth but throws in ledgy steps through shallow washes; sturdy shoes help. Colored posts marked **maroon** keep the navigation painless, and spur overlooks invite quick detours for even bigger panoramas.
Logistics
Start from the Intrepid trailhead just off the park road near the Moenkopi Yurts/Bighorn bike area. Carry all the water you’ll need—there’s none on the mesa—and plan for full sun. Spring and fall bring ideal temps; summer heat means sunrise or bust.
Worth it?
If you want huge views for minimal effort and don’t mind sharing the path with bikes, this little loop delivers outsized reward. Hardcore mileage hunters might stitch it into the 9-mile Whiptail/Prickly Pair combo; everyone else can grab the scenery and be back at the car in under an hour.
Where it starts
38.5054, -109.7294Near Twisted Tree 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
