Utah’s Dead Horse Point State Park consistently brings in a million visitors. Here’s why

Alana Brophy
·2 min read

DEAD HORSE POINT, Utah (ABC4) — The red rock and evolving desert landscape of Dead Horse Point State Park is consistently one of the top visited parks in Utah.

In the last few years, the park has seen approximately a million visitors every year and is on track to hit that number in 2024. The iconic red dirt state park attracts visitors for several reasons, and is always evolving,

“The views and the canyons, having canyonlands in the background, this is a pretty amazing place,” said Shawn McGrimely, a visitor from New Hampshire. “Faye was out riding on my bike today on some of the greens, so pretty cool to be able to do that as a dad.”

Dead Horse Point State Park is a place to put the pedal to the metal with now more than 17 miles of open trails. Mountain bikers from around the world come to ride, but you don’t have to only take the sediment scenery in on two wheels. Hike or bike, this park leaves an impression.

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Park Ranger Koye Willis says there are many draws to the state park, including its centralized location between Arches and Canyonlands, its reputation as a dog-friendly park, and the variety of camping options for visitors.

Willis said there are more than 51 spots to camp and nine yurts, described as huge tents with electricity, heating, and AC.

Dead Horse Point became a state park in 1959 and was designated an International Dark Sky Place in 2016—with very little light pollution allowing for beautiful night views year round. Visitors also come to see the views of the Colorado River.

“Looking down into the canyon you see the bend in the Colorado River, it’s so unique, especially around here because you get canyon views everywhere, but you get to see so much more of the river from our view,” Willis said.

ABC4’s Chief Meteorologist Alana Brophy is on a road tour of Utah’s parks. For more information, see the Good4Utah Road Tour page.

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