Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park are two epic public lands near Moab, Utah. Since they’re just a few miles from one another, many people often choose to visit Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point on the same trip. Maybe even tackle all the Utah National Parks in one epic southwest road trip!
But if you are short on time and have to decide between Canyonlands or Dead Horse Point, or you’re wondering if they’re both worth visiting, this is the guide for you!
In this Canyonlands Vs. Dead Horse Point guide, I will share the differences between the two public lands near Moab. That way you can decide if you should visit Canyonlands or Dead Horse Point. Or both!
Spoiler Alert: You can’t go wrong either way!
NOTE: This is just a comparison guide between the two parks. If you are looking for the best things to do, top hikes, and where to stay in/near each of the parks, then you’ll want to read my other guides:
- Complete Guide to Exploring Canyonlands National Park
- 2 Day Canyonlands Needles Itinerary
- 6 Best Things to Do in Dead Horse Point State Park
Canyonlands Vs Dead Horse Point: Should You Visit Both?
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Know Before You Go to Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point
Canyonlands: The park is separated into five districts by the Colorado and Green Rivers. The districts look close on the map, but you’ll need to circumnavigate the rivers and drive quite a long distance to get from one to the other. Island in the Sky is the closest district to Dead Horse Point.
Dead Horse Point: Because it’s a state park, your America the Beautiful pass will not work at Dead Horse Point! The entrance fee is $20/vehicle.
Location: Canyonlands Vs. Dead Horse Point
The Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park is 32 miles outside of Moab while the Needles district is about 75 miles away from Moab. The Maze and Horseshoe Canyon districts are the most difficult to access. From Moab, the Maze is about 5.5 hours (162 miles) and Horseshoe Canyon is about 2.5 hours (97 miles).
Dead Horse Point State Park is roughly 35 minutes (30 miles) from Moab and about 15 minutes (11 miles) from Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky Visitor Center.
Vehicle Accessibility: Canyonlands Vs. Dead Horse Point
Canyonlands National Park’s main scenic road in Island of the Sky and main road in the Needles can be accessed by any vehicle, but to venture into the backcountry routes in those districts, and any route in the Maze, you’ll need a four-wheel-drive, high-clearance vehicle. Some routes into Horseshoe Canyon can be 2WD-friendly, but many require 4×4 and/or can turn into 4×4 in severe winter weather.
Dead Horse Point State Park’s scenic drive is paved. You do not need a 4×4 vehicle to explore this park.
PRO TIP: Always be prepared to be self-sufficient and make basic road repairs when you enter the backcountry. Carry these items in your car with you at all times: spare tire, extra gas, extra water, shovel, high-lift jack, and tire chains in the winter. Towing charges in the backcountry cost upwards of $1500.
Scenic Drives & Overlooks: Canyonlands Vs. Dead Horse Point
Canyonlands National Park has a 17-mile (one-way) paved scenic drive in Island in the Sky and a 7-mile (one-way) paved scenic drive in The Needles. Both the Island of the Sky and the Needles districts have several overlooks.
Dead Horse Point State Park’s scenic drive is short but scenic. The picturesque Utah-313 highway is about 22 miles, and its last 4 miles are in Dead Horse Point State Park. There are trail accesses, campgrounds, and overlooks along the way.
Hiking Trails: Canyonlands Vs. Dead Horse Point
Canyonlands National Park has a range of easy to strenuous hikes. There are 18 hiking trails (totaling about 80 miles) in Island of the Sky and 12 hiking trails (totaling about 80 miles) in The Needles. The easiest hikes can be found in Island of the Sky while the more adventurous will find The Needles and Maze districts to have the most challenging backcountry routes. Don’t miss Mesa Arch and Grand View Point in Island in the Sky, and Chesler Park Loop/Joint Trail and Druid Arch in The Needles.
Dead Horse Point State Park has about 7 miles of hiking trails that navigate the rimrock and desert plateau. These trails connect eight breathtaking overlooks of the surrounding buttes and canyons. Don’t miss the West Rim Trail.
Camping: Canyonlands Vs. Dead Horse Point
In Canyonlands National Park, there are two frontcountry campgrounds: Island in the Sky (Willow Flat) and Needles. These campgrounds are typically open year-round. Needles has some sites that are reservable from spring through fall, but Willow Flat campsites are always first-come, first-served. Backcountry camping is also available in some districts; permits are required.
Dead Horse Point State Park has two frontcountry campgrounds: Kayenta and Wingate. Kayenta Campground offers 21 tent and RV sites and is closed in the winter. Wingate Campground has 31 tent and RV sites. Hike-in, tent-only sites at Wingate are closed in the winter, but all other sites are open year-round. Yurts are also available year-round at Wingate and Moekopi – they are equipped with heaters and AC units!
Winter Access: Canyonlands Vs. Dead Horse Point
Canyonlands National Park offers winter access for those who want to escape the crowds and the heat. Campsites at Willow Flat and Needles are first-come, first-served. Winter temperatures range from highs in the 30s through 50s to lows in the single digits to 20s. Snow and ice are possible, and paved roads can temporarily close for plow trucks.
Dead Horse Point State Park also offers winter access for those who want to escape the crowds. Similar to Canyonlands, winters in Dead Horse Point can get very cold – highs in the 30s and 40s and lows in the 20s and 30s are normal. Some camping is available year-round.
Dogs: Canyonlands Vs. Dead Horse Point
Canyonlands National Park only allows leashed pets on established frontcountry roads, parking areas, picnic areas, and campgrounds. Pets are prohibited on hiking trails, anywhere off-trail, visitor centers, buildings, and anywhere in the backcountry (even inside a vehicle).
Dead Horse Point State Park allows leashed pets in the entire park except in park buildings (service animals excluded) and on the Intrepid Trail System.
PAVEMENT AND PAW SAFETY
| Air Temperature | Asphalt Temperature |
| 77ºF / 25ºC | 125ºF / 52ºC |
| 86ºF / 30ºC | 135ºF / 57ºC |
| 87ºF / 31ºC | 143ºF / 62ºC |
| 102ºF / 39ºC | 167ºF / 75ºC |
Amenities: Canyonlands Vs. Dead Horse Point
Canyonlands National Park has campgrounds, visitor centers, toilets, picnic areas, and potable water.
Dead Horse Point State Park has campgrounds, a visitor center, toilets, picnic areas, and potable water.
Crowds: Canyonlands Vs. Dead Horse Point
Canyonlands National Park has five districts, and only one is typically crowded: Island in the Sky. The other districts are more remote and usually require 4×4, high-clearance vehicle access, so these areas don’t attract as many tourists. The entire park complex only saw 796,057 visitors in 2025.
Dead Horse Point State Park is one of the most visited state parks in Utah. It can feel crowded pretty easily due to its small size. The state park saw over 1 million visitors in 2025.
Like these comparison articles? I’ve got another comparison of CANYONLANDS VS GRAND CANYON! Check it out here.
Size: Canyonlands Vs. Dead Horse Point
Canyonlands National Park – 337,598 acres. With all of its districts, Canyonlands is nearly 63 times as big as Dead Horse Point State Park!
Dead Horse Point State Park – 5,362 acres. It’s tiny but mighty!
Canyonlands or Dead Horse Point: FAQs
I Have Just a Few Hours – Should I Visit Canyonlands or Dead Horse Point?
If you have just a few hours, I’d suggest Dead Horse Point. It’s small and can be conquered in a half-day.
With a few hours in Dead Horse Point, you could hike the East and West Rim trails and stop at all of the overlooks. If you’d rather bike, there are several miles of mountain biking trails on the Intrepid Trail System.
Can I See Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point In One Day?
Yes! It’ll be a full day, but here is an excellent one-day Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point itinerary.
- Enter Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky District before sunrise.
- Hike Mesa Arch at Sunrise.
- Hike Upheaval Dome.
- Hike Grand View Point and/or White Rim Overlook.
- Have a picnic.
- Cruise the scenic drive on the way out and stop at the overlooks.
- Drive to Dead Horse Point State Park.
- Hike the East and West Rim Trails and stop at the overlooks along the way.
- Enjoy the sunset at Dead Horse Point.
Like these comparison articles? I’ve got another comparison of ZION VS BRYCE CANYON! Check it out here.
Is It Worth It To Visit Both Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point – Or Are They Pretty Much the Same?
Since Canyonlands (Island in the Sky District) and Dead Horse Point are so close in proximity, they are bound to share some commonalities. That being said, they are both worth visiting!
Each park has its unique trail system, jaw-dropping overlooks, scenic drives, a perspective of the Colorado River, and natural landmarks.
And once you dive into The Needles and The Maze districts of Canyonlands, the similarities to Dead Horse Point are fewer and farther between.
Canyonlands Vs Dead Horse Point: Final Verdict
If you are still torn about which park you should visit, here is a lightning-round style chart to help you:
Do you…
Only have a few hours? Dead Horse Point
Want to get away from the crowds? The Maze or Needles District of Canyonlands
Want to hike easier trails? Dead Horse Point
Want to go off-roading? Canyonlands
Have a 2WD vehicle? Dead Horse Point or Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands
Want to go backpacking? Canyonlands
Need Help Planning Your Canyonlands or Dead Horse Point Trip?
Here are some Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point guides that are up on the blog right now!
- 2 Day Canyonlands Needles Itinerary
- Canyonlands National Park: Complete Guide
- Which District of Canyonlands National Park Should You Visit?
- 6 Best Things to Do at Dead Horse Point
- Ultimate Utah Mighty Five National Parks Itinerary
- Utah National Parks Ranked Best to Worst
- Mesa Arch at Sunrise: Everything You Need to Know
Discover Your Next Adventure
Where to next? I’ve got some suggestions!
- Arches National Park
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Zion National Park
- Capitol Reef National Park
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