Round Trip Distance: 0.3 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 5910 - 5930 feet
Cellphone: 2-4 bars
Time: 30 mins.
Trailhead: Dead Horse Point Visitor Center
Fee: $15/vehicle
Attractions: Scenic canyon views, videos in Visitor Center
The Dead Horse Point Nature Trail is located near Moab, Utah and The Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park. Dead Horse Point is a Utah State Park that has the same look and feel of a national monument or park. While it might only be a state park but you wouldn't know it by the large number of visitors it attracts.
The trail begins next to the front entrance of the Visitor Center and ends near the back entrance.
This is an interpretive trail so there is a trail guide with information that corresponds with the numbered locations along the path. If the box at the trailhead is out of guides you can pick one up from the information desk inside the Visitor Center.
The trail is paved except for a few sections where they took advantage of the slickrock. It should be wheelchair accessible with a little minor assistance if necessary.
From the trails several lookout points you can see down into the canyon where the Colorado River is partially visible. To the east is Arches National Park with the La Sal mountains making up the background.
The light blue pools of water are solar evaporation ponds that belong to a potash mine that uses water to bring the salt to the surface where it can be collected.
The Dead Horse Point Nature Trail provides not only a place from which to view the canyons. It is also a place to learn about its desert environment. Perhaps while you are there you can learn why they call it a 'cold desert' or why some places you see are more eroded than others. You will also find much more to learn within the Visitor Center. If you would like to see it for yourself then all you have to do is 'Take a hike'.