Dead Horse State Park

Dead Horse Point State Park, located in southeastern Utah near Moab, offers some of the most spectacular vistas in the American West. Despite its relatively small size, the park is renowned for its dramatic overlooks of the Colorado River and the expansive canyon country that extends beyond. The view from Dead Horse Point is one of unending beauty, featuring a breathtaking panorama of sheer cliffs, deep canyons, and snaking waterways that evoke images of the Grand Canyon‘s iconic landscape.

• Sony A7R III
• f/10
• 24mm
• 100
• 1/200 sec

The park’s intriguing name and history date back to the late 1800s, derived from a legend about cowboys using the point—a narrow neck of land surrounded by precipitous cliffs—to corral wild mustangs. After selecting the horses they wanted, the cowboys would often leave the remainder penned on the waterless point where they would unfortunately perish. Today, Dead Horse Point serves as a poignant reminder of the wild west era and has been a state park since 1959, providing visitors with access to its incredible scenic viewpoints and a variety of recreational opportunities.

• Sony A7R III
• f/10
• 24mm
• 100
• 1/200 sec

Although adjacent to the larger and also geologically diverse Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park warrants a visit in its own right. The views here are distinctly different, with more winding canyons and a high vantage point that offers a comprehensive look at the dramatic desert landscape. This park is perfect for a brief detour, especially for those looking to experience a quieter, yet equally stunning, alternative to its famous neighbor. Whether you’re capturing the early morning light or the fiery colors of a sunset, Dead Horse Point guarantees a memorable and picturesque experience.