Hike the West and East Rim Loop at Dead Horse Point
Moab, Utah
Details
Distance
4.98 miles
Elevation Gain
928 ft
Route Type
Loop
Description
Added by Jennell McHugh
Hike the "Grand Canyon" of Utah with incredible vistas from lookouts throughout the loop.
This is a 5.5 mile loop, if you opt out of the several in/outs to various lookout points, which extend the hike to about 10 miles -- do not opt out! These lookout points get better and better.
However, you can skip the only modest part of the trail, where the West and East rims of the trail meet at the neck: this area is crowded, and for families/less physically capable folks who come by the busload to check out the view. This main vista is not necessary if you've done the harder work along the trail. We only encountered about 6 people on the entire West rim, which made this trail feel like an astonishingly overlooked gem, permitting an even more serene experience with the natural setting.
This is a recommended sunrise hike starting on the West rim to watch the sun envelop the canyons, crests and buttes as you wind around.
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Reviews
Beautiful hike. Definitely bring more water than you think you’ll need! Part of the trail is hard to find (on the east rim I think), but it’s easy to walk through. Just very very hot. The campgrounds are also amazing and well maintained, good location to do day trips into Canyonlands, Arches, and Moab! Highly recommend.
5.0
I drove through the night from Denver to see the sunrise at Mesa Arch. So my lack of sleep and energy level wasn't ready for a strenuous hike right after. This was the perfect hike to go on to see some amazing views of the area and not have a huge elevation gain. After dealing with the mass crowds at the Mesa Arch, this was a great "get-away". Some of the cairns were a little hard to find or misleading, but there's a main road that allows non-hiking patrons to stop at different lookout points. So it was super easy to get back to the road/trail if certain cairns led me astray. Gorgeous views with out having to hike too hard. Great for dogs in spring. Not much shade- so during the summer I'd be a little worried to bring my pup. I started on the East Rim trail and debated doing the West since I was sleep deprived. But the West offered different outlook views and had less people on it. All in all- WAY worth paying the State Park fee and going.
5.0
This is a great place to stop on the way to Canyonlands. I was blown away by the endless beauty in every direction. Definitely worth it!
5.0
Loved this hike! Climbing up and down to get to the lookouts can be quite strenuous, but definitely worth it. The best part is -- unlike nearby Canyonlands and Arches -- this park is dog-friendly!
5.0
Incredible views and dog-friendly!
5.0
Leave No Trace
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