Dead Horse Point State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dead Horse Point State Park |
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IUCN Category V (Protected Landscape/Seascape)
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View of the Colorado River and Canyonlands National Park from Dead Horse Point
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 Dead Horse Point State Park
Location in Utah
Dead Horse Point State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | San Juan County, Utah, U.S. |
| Area | 5,300 acres (21 km2) |
| Elevation | 5,900 ft (1,800 m) |
| Established | 1959 |
| Visitors | 560,783 (in 2017) |
| Operator | Utah State Parks |
Dead Horse Point State Park is an amazing state park located in Utah, USA. It's famous for its incredible views of the Colorado River and Canyonlands National Park. This park covers about 5,362 acres (that's like 4,000 football fields!) of high desert land, sitting high up at 5,900 feet above sea level. It's a fantastic place to explore the beauty of nature.
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What Can You Do at Dead Horse Point?
Dead Horse Point State Park offers many fun things to do. You can visit several viewpoints to see the stunning landscape. There's also a visitor center where you can learn more about the park. Picnic areas are perfect for enjoying a meal outdoors with family and friends.
Camping and Yurts
If you love camping, this park has great options. The Kayenta Campground has 21 spots for RVs with electricity. It also has tent pads for traditional camping. The Wingate Campground offers 4 cozy yurts, which are round tent-like structures. It also has 20 RV campsites and 11 spots just for tents that you can hike to. Plus, there are five more yurts in the Moenkopi Yurt area. A coffee shop is available for snacks and drinks.
Trails for Hiking and Biking
The park is a great place for outdoor adventures. There's an 8-mile (13 km) hiking trail. This trail includes loops and overlooks on both the East Rim Trail and the West Rim Trail. If you enjoy mountain biking, the Intrepid Trail System has 17 miles of trails. These trails have different difficulty levels, so there's something for everyone. You can also ride bikes single-file on the paved roads.
Staying Safe in the Park
When visiting Dead Horse Point, it's good to be prepared. The park is a bit isolated, so gas, food, and medical help are over 30 miles (48 km) away in Moab. Always be aware of lightning during storms, and be careful near unfenced cliffs.
How Did Dead Horse Point Get Its Name?
The park has a very interesting name! A legend says that in the 1800s, cowboys used this area as a natural corral for wild horses. The narrow neck of land made it easy to trap the horses. Sadly, some horses were left behind and died from being exposed to the elements. This sad story is how Dead Horse Point got its unique name. It's often listed as one of the most unusual place names!
Dead Horse Point in Movies
Dead Horse Point State Park is so beautiful that it has even been featured in movies! You can see its dramatic scenery in the final scene of the 1991 film Thelma & Louise.
Images for kids
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View from Dead Horse Point lookout
