Pros & cons
PROS
- Views of photogenic blue evaporation ponds
- Interpretive signage adds context without a guided tour
CONS
- Mid-day crowds and zero shade
- Too short to satisfy mileage seekers
Large lot at the Dead Horse Point Visitor Center; trail starts behind the building.
Stay on the pavement—unprotected cliff edges are feet away and the sun is relentless.
What to Expect
A blink-and-you’ll-miss-it 0.2-mile loop (total distance) that leaves straight from the doors of the Dead Horse Point Visitor Center. The mostly paved path skims the mesa rim, so you get those trademark 2,000-foot canyon drops without breaking a sweat. Interpretive panels point out geology, hardy desert plants, and the bright-blue solar evaporation ponds shimmering far below.
Difficulty & Time
Plan on 5-10 leisurely minutes. Elevation change is negligible and the grade is flat enough for strollers and most wheelchairs, though a few slickrock patches beg for sturdy shoes.
Is It Worth It?
If you’re tight on time, traveling with a mixed-ability group, or simply want a leg stretch before tackling longer rim routes, absolutely. Photographers love the "instant overlook" factor. Mileage-hungry hikers, however, may feel it’s over before it begins.
Where it starts
38.5054, -109.7294Near Visitor Center Nature 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
