Canyonlands Dead Horse Point Road
Category 320.5 km
Distance
610 m
Elevation Gain
3%
Average Gradient
7%
Max Gradient
The paved road to Dead Horse Point State Park is the most beginner-accessible yet visually stunning road cycling experience in the Moab area. From the US-191 junction north of town, the road climbs steadily across Canyonlands mesa on a wide, smooth surface to the Dead Horse Point overlook at 1,859m — where the Colorado River completes a dramatic entrenched meander 600m below. The gradient is modest throughout (averaging 3%) with a single sustained 6-7% pitch at the rim ascent, making this an ideal introduction to Moab's road cycling for riders acclimatising to desert heat. The views at the top rival those from any cycling summit in North America: the canyon system extends south into Canyonlands National Park for 30 miles, with the Island in the Sky mesa and the Needles district visible in the middle distance. The road carries moderate vehicle traffic (park entrance required) but is wide enough to feel comfortable throughout.
Pro Tip
Start before 07:30 in April and October to be at the overlook by 09:00 when the light falls directly into the canyon system — afternoon backlighting makes the view less dramatic. Carry the National Parks fee ($35 per vehicle, or $15 per cyclist) to avoid the entry booth queue. The road surface deteriorates slightly in the final 3km approaching the viewpoint — nothing that requires slowing from road bike speed, but worth noting.