Dead Horse Point State Park

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A tiny but stunning state park, Dead Horse Point has been the setting for numerous movies, including the opening scene from Mission Impossible II and the finale of Thelma & Louise. Located just off Hwy 313 (the road to Canyonlands), the park has canyons rimmed with white cliffs and walloping, mesmerizing views of the Colorado River, Canyonlands National Park and the distant La Sal Mountains.

If you can't get enough of the spectacular vistas consider staying in a yurt at Kayenta Campground, south of the visitor center.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

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Nearby attractions

1. Island in the Sky

6.53 MILES

You'll comprehend space in new ways atop the appropriately named Island in the Sky. This 6000ft-high flat-topped mesa drops precipitously on all sides,…

2. Arches National Park

10.36 MILES

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3. Moab Museum

11.34 MILES

Regional exhibits feature everything from paleontology and archaeology to local crafts and Native American art.

4. Matrimony Springs

11.42 MILES

To fill up on fresh spring water, take Hwy 191 north to Hwy 128 east and continue 100yd to Matrimony Springs, on the right.

5. Moab Giants

12.24 MILES

This paleo-amusement park features giant life-size replica dinosaurs, walking trails, 3D videos that might even bring you to a fourth dimension in some…

6. Canyonlands National Park

12.86 MILES

Covering 527 sq miles, Canyonlands is Utah's largest and wildest park. Indeed, parts of it are as rugged as almost anywhere on the planet. Arches, bridges…

7. Spanish Valley Winery

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For some no-frills wine tasting, visit the surprisingly good Spanish Valley Winery, 6 miles south of Moab on Hwy 191.

8. Hole 'n the Rock

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An unabashed tourist trap 12 miles south of Moab, Hole ’n the Rock is a 5000-sq-ft home-cum-cave carved into sandstone and decorated in knockout 1950s…