Utah in Movies and TV: Famous Filming Locations You Can Visit
Just a short drive from Salt Lake City, the sprawling red rock formations of Arches National Park near Moab set the stage for some of Hollywood’s most iconic westerns and sci-fi epics. This park, famous for its more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, draws filmmakers looking for otherworldly landscapes. Visitors can explore trails like the Delicate Arch Trail, a moderate 3-mile roundtrip hike leading to Utah’s most famous arch. The scene here is especially magical during sunset, when the rocks glow fiery orange. Beyond its cinematic history, the park offers star-studded night skies that enhance the mystique of the natural architecture, making it easy to imagine scenes from movies like “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” which was partly filmed here.
Further south near St. George, Snow Canyon State Park offers another cinematic playground with smooth volcanic cones and white sand dunes that have appeared in films such as “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” The scenic Lava Flow Trail is an easy half-mile route weaving through multi-colored lava rock and red sandstone, creating a stark contrast that’s visually striking on camera and unforgettable on foot. This park stands out for its blend of desert and lava geology, a rarity in Utah’s landscape. Early mornings or late afternoons provide cooler temperatures and softer light for visitors aiming to capture or simply enjoy the park’s dramatic textures.
In the heart of Salt Lake City, the historic Capitol Theatre connects visitors to Utah’s cinematic past through its ongoing film series and occasional screenings of movies with ties to the state. Just steps from the Utah State Capitol, this elegant venue embodies the golden age of cinema with its classic architecture and plush interiors. While it’s not a filming location itself, the theatre is a cultural hub that celebrates the heritage and ongoing story of Utah’s role in film. Catching a classic western or a documentary about Utah’s rugged landscapes here deepens understanding of how the state’s scenery has shaped storytelling on screen.
Traveling east of Salt Lake City toward the Uinta Mountains, Mirror Lake Scenic Byway offers a glimpse into the alpine settings featured in nature documentaries and adventure films. About 90 minutes from the city, this high-elevation route follows a series of crystal-clear lakes and dense pine forests. Visitors can hike the Mirror Lake Trail, a gentle 2-mile path around the lake, or explore nearby trails that rise to alpine meadows. The changing seasons dramatically shift the scenery here—from bright summer greens to golden aspens in fall—making it a favorite backdrop for filmmakers seeking pristine mountain vistas. Wildlife sightings of moose and deer add to the immersive experience.
In southern Utah, near the town of Kanab, the Wahweap Hoodoos reveal a landscape sculpted by millions of years of erosion, famously photographed and filmed in productions like “The Outlaw Josey Wales.” These towering sandstone spires rise prominently against the blue sky, creating a dramatic horizon. The nearby Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park features rolling dunes that have also drawn filmmakers for adventurous desert scenes. Hiking among the hoodoos is moderately challenging but rewarding, with views that feel sculpted for the big screen. The area’s warm, dry climate makes late spring and early fall the best times to visit before the summer heat sets in.
In the central part of the state, the town of Park City is not only known for its ski resorts but also for its role in modern film culture. About 35 minutes east of Salt Lake City, Park City hosts the Sundance Film Festival, the premier independent film festival in the U.S. Visitors can stroll the historic Main Street, which retains the charm of its mining town origins while showcasing a vibrant arts scene. Beyond festival season, the Park City Museum offers exhibits on the town’s transformation from silver mining hub to cinematic hotspot. The combination of mountain scenery and modern creative energy makes this town unique among Utah’s filming locations.
Lastly, the Bonneville Salt Flats, located about 105 miles west of Salt Lake City near Wendover, provide a surreal and expansive setting famously used in movies like “Fast & Furious.” This vast, flat expanse of salt crust stretches for miles, creating an almost alien landscape perfect for high-speed chases and dramatic vistas. Visitors can drive across the flats—weather permitting—and capture the mind-bending horizon lines that seem to stretch endlessly. Early mornings bring ethereal mist and softer light, making the flats particularly enchanting. The Flats’ stark beauty is unmatched anywhere else in the state, offering a truly cinematic experience for travelers.
Each of these places tells a story not just about Utah’s diverse geography but about how filmmakers have been drawn to its unique backdrops. From the desert canyons of Arches to the alpine lakes near the Uintas, the state invites visitors to walk through scenes from their favorite films and discover the magic behind the camera. Whether you’re hiking past giant sandstone arches or wandering historic streets where independent filmmakers gather, Utah’s landscapes and towns offer a front-row seat to America’s cinematic adventures.