Dead Horse Point: Dog‑Friendly Rim Hikes

If you’re planning to explore Dead Horse Point State Park near Moab, Utah with your pup, you’re in luck — this spectacular high‑desert rim park is among Utah’s most dog‑friendly destinations. 

Dogs are welcome on‑leash for most trails, and you’ll find sweeping canyon views that rival the best in the region. This guide helps you plan a safe, compliant day of rim hiking with your dog: current leash rules, top rim loop options, heat and paw safety, what to pack, and more.

At‑a‑Glance Key Facts

• Maximum leash length is 6 ft (≈1.8 m) on all trails and campgrounds.
• Day‑use fee covers pets (no extra pet fee listed).
• Dogs allowed on hiking trails and in campgrounds; not on the mountain‑bike Intrepid Trail System.
• Carry water for you and your dog — no trail‑side potable sources confirmed.
• Spring and Fall are the best seasons for comfortable temps; start early (before ~10 a.m.) or late afternoon to avoid hottest hours.
• East Rim or full East+West Rim loop is the top recommendation for sunrise/sunset, especially around the “point” for dramatic lighting.

Additional Dog Leash Rules

Dogs are allowed at Dead Horse Point — but only under controlled conditions. Here are the specifics:

• Pets must be on a leash at all times, including on trails, in the campground, and at overlooks.
• Dogs must not be left unattended (in vehicle or campsite) for safety.
• Dogs are not permitted on the mountain‑bike only Intrepid Trail System loops.
• Pets are allowed in the campgrounds (e.g., Kayenta, Wingate) and most hiking trails; however the yurts area may have restrictions (pets not allowed inside yurts in one case).
• Pack out dog poop or use park‑provided receptacles. (General park policy: clean up after pets — cited in the park’s pet guidelines.)

Best Rim Loops

Here are three top on‑leash rim hiking options at Dead Horse Point. All include canyon views and rim walking with your dog.

East Rim Trail

• Trailhead / Parking: Start just behind the Visitor Center. Path leads south along the east rim.
• Direction: Either direction works; consider starting early for sunrise.
• Safety & dog note: The trail is mostly set back from the immediate cliff edge, but dogs should still be kept on leash and under control near overlooks. Slickrock sections mean careful footing for both you and your dog.
• Highlights: Rim views toward La Sal Mountains, simple terrain.
• Bailout options: Turn back anytime; short spur to Basin Overlook adds ~0.25 mi (~0.4 km).

West Rim Trail

• Trailhead / Parking: From Visitor Center cross the park road and access the West Rim Trail (or via campground access).
• Direction suggestion: Clockwise gives views back toward the main overlook; dogs may prefer calmer sections early on.
• Cliff exposure caution: Some trail segments run immediately along the mesa edge with steep drop‑offs and no guardrails. Use a short leash (6 ft) and keep dog close.
• Photo spots: Meander Overlook, Shafer Canyon Overlook; aim for golden hour (≈1 h before sunset).
• Shorten option: Skip spur trails to keep distance ~3 mi (~4.8 km).
• Dog‑specific caution: Slickrock retains heat and can be slippery; practice safe footing for dog paws (see Heat Safety section).

Full Rim Loop (East + West)

• Trailhead / Parking: Visitor Center works well.
• Clockwise vs Counter: Clockwise from Visitor Center → East Rim → Dead Horse Point “Point” → West Rim back is one option.
• Exposure & safety: Combines both rim edges—some of the most exposed terrain in the park. Stay on leash, keep dog under control the entire time.
• Highlights: Full‑featured canyon panorama, best photo variety.
• Time & pace: At a leisurely pace with breaks this loop can take 2–3 hrs.
• Shorten option: If wish to cut distance, turn back midway on West Rim trail.
• Hazards to call out:
  • Drop‑offs with no railings.
  • Cryptobiotic soil crusts — stay on trail to avoid damage.
  • Mountain bikes cross intersections — yield appropriately.
  • Slickrock that gets very hot midday.
  • Desert wildlife: cactus spines, possible porcupines — keep dog on leash.

Heat Safety Guide

The canyon‑rim terrain at Dead Horse Point sits around 5,900 ft (≈1,800 m) in elevation, but the exposed mesa top and slickrock surfaces reflect heat intensely. Shade is scarce, humidity is low, and midday sun can be brutal.

Temperature & Hydration Guidance

• In summer (June‑August), midday temps can easily exceed 90–100 °F (32–38 °C).
• Sheltered shade is minimal; plan hikes in early morning (before ~10 a.m.) or late afternoon.
• Hydration for people: At least 1 quart (≈1 L) per hour in warm weather.
• For dogs: Bring a collapsible bowl and aim for ~½ cup (≈120 mL) per 15‑20 minutes of moderate exertion (adjust based on dog size).
• No reliable water sources along rim trails — carry all water for dog and human.

Paw Protection & Cooling

• Use “back‑of‑hand” test: if surface is too hot to hold your hand for 5 seconds, it’s too hot for dog paws.
• Consider dog booties or paw balm for slickrock/sand surfaces.
• Avoid hiking between ~11 a.m.–4 p.m. in peak summer.
• Let dog rest on shade or a groundsheet if available; stone and sand reflect heat.
• Watch for signs of heat stress – heavy panting, drooling, unsteady gait, lethargy.
  • Action plan: Stop trail, move to shade immediately, offer water, cool dog belly/paws with wet cloth, retreat to parking or vehicle.
• Vehicle safety: Dogs must not be left in cars. The park guideline warns that sunlight will rapidly heat a vehicle’s interior to dangerous levels.

Safety note: Desert rim hiking with a dog is rewarding — but heat and exposure demand vigilance.

When to Go (Seasonality & Crowd Patterns)

• Spring (April–May): Ideal temps (60s–70s °F / 15–25 °C), fewer crowds.
• Fall (September–October): Similar conditions, stunning light at golden hour.
• Summer: Very hot midday; aim for dawn/early morning starts.
• Winter: Mild daytime temps but possible slickrock ice; fewer crowds.

Visitor Center and Dead Horse Point overlook are busiest mid‑day and especially at sunset. Bringing a dog doesn’t exempt you from crowds. Early start improves experience.

Trailhead Logistics

• Location: Dead Horse Point State Park is about 9 miles north of Moab via US‑191 and 23 miles south on SR‑313 at the end of the highway.
• Hours: Park open year‑round, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Visitor Center: Typically open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day)
• Parking & amenities: Near Visitor Center you’ll find restrooms and pay station; restrooms in campgrounds.
• Water spigots: Flush toilets available in campgrounds; but trailheads do not guarantee potable water outlets — come prepared to carry sufficient water.
• Cell service: Often spotty; assume you’ll hike without reliable signal.

What to Pack for Your Dog

Dead Horse Point Dogs FAQs

Dead Horse Point Dogs Are Welcome

Whether you’re tackling the full rim loop or enjoying a shorter out‑and‑back, this guide ensures that you and your pup will do the rim trails of Dead Horse Point safely and respectfully. With the leash rules, water prep, and heat/surface awareness covered, you’re set for a rewarding dog‑friendly hike. 

Enjoy the high‑desert views, keep your dog close and your leash short, and have a fantastic time at Dead Horse Point — where “Dead Horse Point dogs” are absolutely welcome on leash.