Shooting at Dead Horse Point State Park
Dead Horse Point State Park is one of my favorite state parks in southern Utah, because it has views similar to the Grand Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, but is less traveled. It also has some of the best sunrises and sunsets I have ever seen, making it perfect for bridals, eloping, or an engagement/adventure shoot here.
Photo above taken of Cory and I by our friend @sshyphotography
Dead Horse Point State Park is Dog Friendly
Dogs are permitted to enter the park but must remain on a leash.
Fees
Private Vehicle Fees to enter: $20.00
Utah Senior: $15.00
Motorcycles: $10.00
Photo above taken of Cory and I by our friend @sshyphotography
Things to Do
Some of the best things to do at Dead Horse State Park are see the Dead Horse Point Overlook, and hike the East Rim Trail and the West Rim Trail. You can also go mountain biking on the Intrepid Trail Systems, and even stay in a yurt. If you want to take a wack at night photography, this is a great park to do it, since there is very little light pollution.
Things to Do Nearby
Moab has the famous “Delicate Arch” in Arches National Park as well as Canyonlands nearby. While in town you can check out the T-Shirt Shop for a custom T-shirt, with art to choose from by local artists, or grab an excellent cup of coffee at Cafe Italiano. Check out the Colorado River at Lions Park and biking trailhead or take the pups on a hike at Grandstaff Canyon Trail or Corona Arch.
This valley, discovered by cowboys searching for cattle in the 1920’s, is stunning due to the geologic goblins, left behind by erosion. Great activity for the family to explore the goblins of Goblin Valley.
This area has gorgeous hills of rock formations in unique colors of sandstone to explore!
Other worldly rock formations near Hanksville, UT. Take caution in high winds in this area.
When to Shoot
Sunrise is a less visited time in the park, making it ideal for elopements or a bridal shoot (especially on weekdays). There are gorgeous rock formations on the east side of the park and the colors of the sunrises are unreal!
Golden hour before sunset is also a great time to take photos because of the beautiful rock formations on the west side of the park. There might be more visitors at this time, but you should still be able to find some spots to shoot at, especially if you go on a weekday, opposed to a weekend.
Photo above taken of Cory and I by our friend @sshyphotography
Drone Permits
Drones are not allowed to fly in the park from March to October because this is the busy season in the park. However drones are allowed to fly from November 1st to February, you simply need to obtain a permit online or at the Visitor’s Center as well as pay a $10 fee to fly. You will need to follow procedures of the park to keep the wildlife and visitors safe as well.
Find more information out here.
How to Elope
To elope at Dead Horse Point, you will have to secure a special use permit. Apply at least 30 days before your date to make sure you get your availability you want!
Need a photo and video husband and wife duo to capture your epic adventures at Dead Horse Point State Park?
Hi there! We’re Tana and Cory Metcalf - a husband and wife photo/video team, located in Utah and Texas! We love exploring all that the world has to offer and taking our doggos and cameras along for the journey, as well!
