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Watch Sunset at Dead Horse Point

ScenicEasyYear-round

Stand 2,000 feet above a gooseneck in the Colorado River for what is arguably the most dramatic canyon view in the American West.

Itinerary tips

  • 1Arrive at the park entrance at least 90 minutes before sunset to secure a parking spot at the Dead Horse Point Overlook lot.
  • 2Pack a lightweight windbreaker and a headlamp, as temperatures drop rapidly and the trail darkens immediately after the sun dips.
  • 3Bring a camp chair and a small picnic to enjoy at the rim while waiting for the colors to peak during the 'blue hour'.
  • 4Purchase your pass online in advance or use a credit card at the automated kiosk to bypass long entry lines at the gate.
  • 5Walk a few hundred yards north along the West Rim Trail to escape the main observation platform crowds for a private view.
  • 6Allot at least 45 minutes for the drive from downtown Moab, accounting for winding roads and potential wildlife crossings.

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