West Rim Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Geological Significance · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

If you are looking for amazing vistas while hiking Dead Horse Point, this trail is for you. It connects the visitor center with the Dead Horse Point Overlook at the southern tip of Dead Horse Point. You can connect with the East Rim Trail to make a loop.

Before you head out, take enough time to soak in the spectacular views at Dead Horse Point Overlook. Observe the meandering Colorado River that you'll see more as you hike along the west rim. The first 300 yards from the overlook are paved, it then turns into a narrower dirt trail with the occasional cairns to guide the way. After about half a mile, you reach the Neck, a very narrow stretch in the plateau that you are hiking on, barely wider than the road.

Follow the outline of the rim and reach Meander Overlook after about a mile. If offers more views of the Colorado River. Shortly after the overlook, you reach the Shafer Canyon Overlook Spur Trail on your left - a worthwhile side trip. Continue to follow the trail north until you reach the Rim Overlook Spur Trail at two miles. This is yet another great opportunity for a side trip.

The trail then heads east across Dead Horse Point. As you cross over to the east rim, the La Sal Mountains will rise on the horizon. At 2.3 miles, Bighorn Overlook Trail is to your left. This 2.5 mile out-and-back trail is another side trip opportunity. Continue ahead, pass Kayenta Campground on your right and cross the main park road. Reach the visitor center at 2.8 miles.