West and East Rim Loop at Dead Horse Point

This is a 5.5 mile loop, if you opt out of the several in/outs to various lookout points, which extend the hike to about 10 miles -- do not opt out! These lookout points get better and better.

However, you can skip the only modest part of the trail, where the West and East rims of the trail meet at the neck: this area is crowded, and for families/less physically capable folks who come by the busload to check out the view. This main vista is not necessary if you've done the harder work along the trail. We only encountered about 6 people on the entire West rim, which made this trail feel like an astonishingly overlooked gem, permitting an even more serene experience with the natural setting.

This is a recommended sunrise hike starting on the West rim to watch the sun envelop the canyons, crests and buttes as you wind around.