St. George to Dead Horse Point
One of the most spectacular overlooks in the American West — a 2,000-foot sheer drop to the Colorado River's dramatic gooseneck bend below. This Utah state park rivals any national park viewpoint and was the filming location for the final scene of Thelma & Louise.
I-15 N to I-70 E to US-191 S
310 miles
Distance
4 hr 15 min
Drive Time
northeast
Direction
Spring (March-May) & Fall (September-October)
Best Time
6,000 feet elevation
Driving from St. George to Dead Horse Point
Route: I-15 N to I-70 E to US-191 S
Head north on I-15 to I-70 East through the San Rafael Swell — one of the most scenic stretches of interstate in America. Exit at US-191 South toward Moab, then follow UT-313 West to Dead Horse Point. The final 23-mile road passes the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands.
About Dead Horse Point
Dead Horse Point State Park offers what many consider the single most dramatic viewpoint in all of Utah. The main overlook sits at 6,000 feet elevation on a narrow peninsula of rock, providing a jaw-dropping 2,000-foot vertical drop to the Colorado River as it curves through a dramatic gooseneck bend far below. The panorama extends across Canyonlands National Park, the La Sal Mountains, and the vast canyon country of southeastern Utah.
The park takes its name from a legend that cowboys once used the narrow neck of land as a natural corral for wild mustangs. The point was fenced off, and according to the story, horses left behind perished from thirst within sight of the Colorado River below. Today, the park features an excellent visitor center, developed campground, and a network of hiking and mountain biking trails along the mesa rim.
Dead Horse Point has appeared in multiple films including Thelma & Louise (1991), Mission: Impossible 2 (2000), and 127 Hours (2010). The park is located just 32 miles from Moab and shares the access road (UT-313) with the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park, making it easy to combine both in a single visit. Sunrise and sunset at the point are particularly spectacular, with the changing light dramatically transforming the view.
Gas Stops Along the Way
- Salina — 155 miles / 2 hr 10 min (I-70 exit, full services)
- Green River — 220 miles / 3 hr (I-70 exit, gas and food)
- Moab — 280 miles / 3 hr 50 min (full services — last stop before park)
Weather & Climate
Dead Horse Point sits at 6,000 feet on an exposed mesa. Summers are hot (85-100°F) with intense sun and no shade. Winters are cold (20-45°F) with occasional snow and icy roads. Spring and fall are ideal at 50-80°F. Wind is common on the exposed point. Thunderstorms possible July-September.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May) & Fall (September-October)
Spring and fall provide comfortable temperatures (50-80°F) and the best photography light. Summer is hot (90-105°F) but mornings and evenings are pleasant. Winter offers dramatic snow-dusted canyon views but access roads can be icy. Sunrise and sunset visits are spectacular year-round.
Things to Do in Dead Horse Point
From outdoor adventures to dining, here is everything worth experiencing when you visit Dead Horse Point State Park, Utah.
Top Viewpoints & Attractions
Dead Horse Point Overlook
$20 per vehicleThe main event — a 2,000-foot sheer drop to the Colorado River gooseneck below. Multiple viewing platforms with safety railings. Arguably the most dramatic viewpoint in Utah.
Meander Overlook
Included with entryShort trail to a viewpoint looking down at the Colorado River's meander pattern. Less crowded than the main overlook with equally stunning views.
Rim Trail
Included with entryNetwork of easy to moderate trails along the mesa rim totaling about 9 miles. Multiple overlook points, interpretive signs, and stunning canyon views throughout.
Intrepid Trail System
Included with entryMountain biking and hiking trails through pinyon-juniper forest on the mesa top. Singletrack ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. Spectacular canyon views from the trail.
Nearby Dining (Moab)
Sunset Grill
$$$Fine dining in a historic uranium baron's mansion overlooking Moab. Prime rib, steaks, and seafood with panoramic views. Reservations recommended.
Milt's Stop & Eat
$Classic burger joint and local institution since 1954. Milkshakes, burgers, and hand-cut fries in a nostalgic setting.
Quesadilla Mobilla
$Popular food truck serving creative gourmet quesadillas near the Moab brewery. Great after a day in the parks.
Desert Bistro
$$$Upscale southwestern cuisine in a restored house. Seasonal menu with local ingredients. One of Moab's finest dining experiences.
Combine With
Canyonlands Island in the Sky
$30 per vehicleAdjacent to Dead Horse Point on the same road (UT-313). Mesa Arch, Grand View Point, and Green River Overlook are must-see stops. Easily combined in a full day.
Arches National Park
$30 per vehicleJust 5 miles north of Moab with over 2,000 natural stone arches. Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, and Devils Garden. Timed entry reservation may be required.
Colorado River Activities
$$-$$$Moab offers jet boat tours, rafting, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding on the Colorado River. Multiple outfitters downtown.
Travel Tips for the St. George to Dead Horse Point Drive
Arrive for sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting at the overlook
Dead Horse Point and Canyonlands Island in the Sky share access road UT-313 — do both in one trip
The campground fills quickly in spring and fall — reserve online well in advance
Bring binoculars to spot rafters on the Colorado River 2,000 feet below
No gas, food, or water available at the park — stock up in Moab
The park makes a perfect stop on a Moab trip — allow at least 2 hours
Frequently Asked Questions: St. George to Dead Horse Point
How far is Dead Horse Point from St. George?
Dead Horse Point State Park is approximately 310 miles (4 hours 15 minutes) from St. George via I-15 North and I-70 East to Moab. The drive through the San Rafael Swell on I-70 is one of the most scenic interstate drives in America. Dead Horse Point is then 32 miles southwest of Moab on UT-313.
Is Dead Horse Point worth the drive from St. George?
Absolutely, especially when combined with Canyonlands Island in the Sky and Moab attractions. The overlook is one of the most dramatic viewpoints in the entire American West — a 2,000-foot vertical drop to the Colorado River. Most visitors make it part of a 2-3 day Moab trip to also see Arches National Park and explore the Colorado River.
What is the difference between Dead Horse Point and Canyonlands?
Dead Horse Point is a Utah State Park ($20/vehicle) on the same access road as the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park ($30/vehicle). Dead Horse Point has the famous Colorado River gooseneck overlook. Canyonlands has Mesa Arch, Grand View Point, and vast canyon wilderness. You can easily visit both in one day as they are on the same road.
Was Thelma & Louise filmed at Dead Horse Point?
Yes, the iconic final scene of Thelma & Louise (1991) where the characters drive off the cliff was filmed at Dead Horse Point. The dramatic overlook with the Colorado River far below provided the perfect cinematic backdrop. The park was also used in Mission: Impossible 2 and 127 Hours.
Can you camp at Dead Horse Point?
Yes, Dead Horse Point has a developed campground with 21 sites (including some electric hookup sites), restrooms, and running water. Sites fill quickly during spring and fall — reserve online at ReserveAmerica well in advance. The campground offers some of the best stargazing in Utah.
Nearby Destinations from Dead Horse Point
Moab
The adventure capital of Utah, home to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, legendary mountain biking, world-class rock climbing, and Colorado River rafting. Moab delivers adrenaline-pumping outdoor experiences in a jaw-dropping desert landscape.
Capitol Reef National Park
The least-visited of Utah's Mighty Five national parks is arguably the most rewarding. A 100-mile geological wrinkle in the earth, pioneer orchards where you can pick free fruit, and legendary homemade pies at the Gifford House.
Goblin Valley State Park
An otherworldly landscape of thousands of mushroom-shaped rock formations called "goblins" rising from the desert floor. One of Utah's most unique and kid-friendly state parks, plus a certified International Dark Sky Park for world-class stargazing.
Complete Guide: Driving from St. George to Dead Horse Point
St. George to Dead Horse Point — 310 miles, 4 hr 15 min Drive
Dead Horse Point State Park offers what many consider the single most dramatic viewpoint in all of Utah. The main overlook sits at 6,000 feet elevation on a narrow peninsula of rock, providing a jaw-dropping 2,000-foot vertical drop to the Colorado River as it curves through a dramatic gooseneck bend far below. The panorama extends across Canyonlands National Park, the La Sal Mountains, and the vast canyon country of southeastern Utah.
The route from St. George, Utah to Dead Horse Point State Park, Utah covers 310 miles and takes approximately 4 hr 15 min via I-15 N to I-70 E to US-191 S. Head north on I-15 to I-70 East through the San Rafael Swell — one of the most scenic stretches of interstate in America. Exit at US-191 South toward Moab, then follow UT-313 West to Dead Horse Point. The final 23-mile road passes the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands.
Things to Do in Dead Horse Point
Top Viewpoints & Attractions: Dead Horse Point Overlook, Meander Overlook, Rim Trail. Nearby Dining (Moab): Sunset Grill, Milt's Stop & Eat, Quesadilla Mobilla. Combine With: Canyonlands Island in the Sky, Arches National Park, Colorado River Activities.
Best Time to Visit Dead Horse Point
Spring and fall provide comfortable temperatures (50-80°F) and the best photography light. Summer is hot (90-105°F) but mornings and evenings are pleasant. Winter offers dramatic snow-dusted canyon views but access roads can be icy. Sunrise and sunset visits are spectacular year-round.
Travel Tips
Arrive for sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting at the overlook. Dead Horse Point and Canyonlands Island in the Sky share access road UT-313 — do both in one trip. The campground fills quickly in spring and fall — reserve online well in advance. Bring binoculars to spot rafters on the Colorado River 2,000 feet below.
For more things to do near St. George, explore our Things to Do guide, browse the Events Calendar, or discover local businesses in the St. George Business Directory. Check out all road trip destinations from St. George including Moab, Capitol Reef National Park, Goblin Valley State Park.