Dead Horse Point State Park, Outside Moab, Utah

May 2, 2017 thru May 3, 2017 

Pulled up stakes in Willow Springs and moved to Dead Horse Point State Park.  First though we went to Sand Flats Recreation Area where we rode the Slick Rock Trails.  This is the classic Moab Slick rock.  Red and mainly slick rock with only a few patches of sand.  You can see the multiple layers of rock in the Mesas cliffs.  Each layer has different characteristics resulting in different riding opportunities.  The trails were dedicated in 1969 for motorcycle  trail riding.  Mountain bikers discovered the trails in the 80’s.  White painted dots, arrows and  “signs” mark the trail.  True confessions here – I only road the practice loop.  Since I walked much of that I decided not to tackle the longer loop.  Rick rode part of it and vows to return to finish the trail another trip.

Dead Horse Point State Park is a far less crowded way to see Canyon Lands.  From our camping spot we have an easy walk to the canyon rim.  We are paying the big bucks, $30/night, but have a table, electricity and real flush toilets.  Living large.   Like most of the public campgrounds around here there is no water hook-ups.  The campground does have drinking water we can haul if jugs if needed.  The bathrooms are all individual rooms, and one of the bathrooms has hot water.  Go figure.  A tub and a cup made for a great hair wash and sponge bath.

Sad story behind the name of this place.  Dead Horse Point drops off to the canyon on all sides – with only a narrow band up on the mesa.  Cowboys would drive horses out there, block off the neck and then take their pick.  One time they just left the rejects to die.  How sad and cruel.

A funnier, smaller story.  When we were going there I first googled on Deadhorse and got – Deadhorse, AK.

Nice place to camp. “Expensive” ($18) compared to free Willow Springs but the amenities are nice.

Dead Horse State Park – next to Canyonlands NP,  just as pretty and not as crowded

We rode a loop in oppisite directions and met up for a snack. Perfect timing – we met at a great overlook.

Nice flowy single track

A long way down

I had fun taking lizard shots

Before moving on Rick runs all the hiking trails and I go for a walk.  I don’t cover much ground but have fun taking pictures of lizards and ground squirrels.  They are somewhat cooperative subjects.