Hike the East Rim Trail in Dead Horse State Park

Dec 24

Dead Horse State Park is lesser known than the nearby and more famous Arches National Park. It’s worth seeing if you’re in the region for a longer trip, especially if you’re visiting Canyonlands National Park because it’s an easy detour. This state park has stunning canyons, rugged landscapes, and a touch of ancient magic. It's where Canyon Country meets the Colorado River's flow. In this blog post, let’s dive into the untamed beauty of Dead Horse State Park, specifically the East Rim Trail where you can see the best views of the park in a very short amount of time.

Hiking Info

Trailhead location: Horse State Park, Moab, UT 84532

1.7 miles out and back trail
Easy
Cost: You have to purchase a state park day pass
Free Parking once you’re inside the park
Visitors Center with bathrooms at trailhead
No dogs allowed
Trail Etiquette: Respect the delicate ecosystem by staying on designated trails and avoiding unnecessary disturbances to the natural environment.

When To Go

The nice thing about this hike is it’s much less crowded than most, so any time of day is good to go. We only passed 2 people when we went in May 2022. The lighting is always better at sunrise and sunset for most arches.

The optimal months for visiting are during April to May and September to October, with daytime temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 degrees. Summer months bring temperatures surpassing 100 degrees, making the exploration of park trails considerably uncomfortable and potentially dangerous.

The Hike

Start your hike at the Dead Horse State Park visitor’s center.

There are several routes of trails you can do depending on your energy level or timing. We decided to do the 1.7 mile out and back East Rim Trail, that takes you to two great overlooks. If you have time you can do the full Dead Horse Rim Loop which is about 5.2 miles.

The trail is very easy to follow, you literally just walk the rim of the canyon and follow the signs.

There are a lot of cool rock formations along this trail.

You’ll come across an overlook with brightly colored blue and turquoise potash ponds in the distance of the canyon. Potash refers to potassium compounds often extracted for industrial use, and mining activities for such compounds occur in the broader region around Moab, Utah. Potash is a crucial component in modern agriculture, contributing to the global food supply by promoting plant health and productivity.

At the end of the East Rim Trail, Dead Horse Point is the most prominent and scenic overlook in this park. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Colorado River winding through the deep canyons below, with the La Sal Mountains serving as a dramatic backdrop. The name "Dead Horse Point" is thought to originate from a legend about a group of abandoned horses left on the point, fenced by the narrow neck of land and perishing due to lack of water. The state park features several hiking trails and is a popular destination for photography, offering stunning vistas of the rugged desert landscape.