Utah Film Trail Locations
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Antelope Island State Park
The dangerous buffalo hunt from the epic western, "The Covered Wagon," was filmed here at Camera Flats. It was one of the most successful films of the silent era and the first Hollywood film ever produced in Utah. The movie follows a group of pioneers traveling from Kansas to Oregon, but nearly every stage of the 2000-mile trek along the Oregon Trail was filmed in northern Utah.
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Box Elder Historic Courthouse
Northern Utah’s small towns have provided the perfect backdrop for more than 60 holiday movies filmed in Utah since the 1980s. Brigham City and the surrounding area were featured in the holiday film, "Jingle Belle" starring Tatyana Ali and Cornelius Smith Jr., as well as other films and television series, including "Melvin and Howard" (1980), "Clay Pigeons" (1998), "Yellowstone" (2018-2020) and more.
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Bryce Canyon National Park
"The Deadwood Coach" was one of the first films to be shot in Utah. Considering Bryce Canyon's rugged scenery, it is not surprising that a Western introduced Hollywood to Utah. This silent-era film starred Tom Mix — one of the most popular actors of the 1920s. These red cliffs were the backdrop of many other films, including "Thunderhead: Son of Flicka" (1945), "Sergeants 3" (1962), and "Bonneville" (2006).
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Compass Rose Lodge, Huntsville
Northern Utah’s white-capped mountains, evergreen pines and quaint small towns have provided the perfect backdrop for more than 60 holiday movies filmed in Utah since the 1980s. Nestled in the heart of Huntsville, the Compass Rose Lodge along with the surrounding historical buildings have made it a picturesque setting for a number of holiday movies featured on the Hallmark and Lifetime channels, including, "Check Inn To Christmas" (2019), "The Christmas Edition" (2020) and "A Cozy Christmas Inn" (2022).
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Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
At Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, the hills of sand changed by wind have an otherworldly quality that blur the line of reality, making it the perfect backdrop for the sci-fi western television series, "Westworld." Director Jonathan Nolan used Utah’s classic western landscapes for this science fiction story about a Wild West amusement park filled with AI hosts. These sand dunes have also been the backdrop of countless other productions, including "Arabian Nights" (1942), "Mackenna's Gold" (1969), "One Little Indian" (1973) and "The Outlaw Josey Wales" (1976).
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Dead Horse Point State Park
Fossil Point that sits just below Dead Horse Point State Park is featured in one of the most iconic scenes from "Thelma & Louise" starring Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis. Director Ridley Scott was captivated with the landscapes in Moab and chose this area for the film's memorable ending. Other productions filmed in this area include "Fort Apache" (1948), "Mission: Impossible II" (2000) and "Westworld" (2016 - 2018).
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Goblin Valley State Park
The otherworldly rock formations at Goblin Valley State Park can seem like they come from an alien planet, making it the perfect backdrop for movies. The sandstone hoodoos were famously used as the foundation for the Rock Monster in the campy, sci-fi film, "Galaxy Quest" starring Tim Allen and Sigourney Weaver. Goblin Valley has also been featured in other productions, including "Rubin and Ed" (1991), "City Slickers II: The Legend of Curly's Gold" (1994) and "The Tree of Life" (2011).
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Goulding’s Lodge
This trading post in the Navajo Nation’s Monument Valley became a key location for Hollywood Westerns after director John Ford’s "Stagecoach" (1939) established the area as the symbol of "The West." Today, Goulding’s Lodge remains a gateway to this iconic landscape, preserving its rich history and enduring legacy in film and Native American culture.
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Great Salt Lake State Park
The indie classic, "Carnival of Souls" jump-started Utah as an unlikely home for the horror genre. Director Herk Harvey’s drive through Utah inspired the cult film featuring the abandoned Saltair Resort as its spooky backdrop. Since then, countless other productions have filmed at the Great Salt Lake State Park, including "SLC Punk!" (1998), "Double Teamed" (2002), "Tree of Life" (2011), and "Joe Bell" (2020).
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Heber Valley Railroad
Traveling between Heber City and Provo Canyon, the historic Heber Valley Railroad's timeless look captivates filmmakers and audiences alike. The breathtaking views of the Wasatch Mountains surrounding this landmark have made this train station a frequent backdrop for films and television shows, including "Touched by An Angel" (1994-2003), "Deidra & Laney Rob a Train" (2017), and "Escape from Germany" (2024).
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Helper Main Street
The mining town of Helper has been the backdrop to independent films and television shows over the years looking to capture the small town feel of the historic and restored downtown. The Book Cliffs mountain range offset by the railroad that passes through the Carbon Corridor provide filmmakers with a cinematic landscape. Helper has been featured in "Rigoletto" (1993), "Adventures of Power" (2008), "Wayshower" (2011),"Ghost Adventures" (2021) and more.
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Historic 25th Street
With its rich past and vibrant atmosphere, Historic 25th Street blends history with modern culture, making it the perfect destination for filmmakers. Ogden’s character and charm is visible in its historic buildings, restaurants, bars and shops that have been the backdrop for countless films and television shows, including "Touched By An Angel" (1994 - 2003), "Everwood" (2002–2006) and "Yellowstone" (2018–2020).
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La Sal Junction
The fourth installment of the live-action "Transformers" franchise, directed by Michael Bay and starring Mark Wahlberg, brought the iconic Autobots to La Sal Junction. Utah's red rock landscapes were the perfect contrast to the mechanical characters, creating an unforgettable backdrop for this action-packed film. San Juan County has served as a location for other productions, including "Thelma & Louise" (1991) and "Horizon: An American Saga" (2024).
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Lorin Farr Pool
A beloved classic, "The Sandlot" highlights the nostalgia audiences hold for their summer childhood memories of baseball, friendship and adventure. One of the most memorable scenes from the movie was shot at the Lorin Farr Swimming Pool where Squints pretends to drown in order to be "rescued" by the lifeguard, Wendy Peffercorn, and share an unforgettable kiss.
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Park City Main Street
In 1985, Sundance Institute began running the U.S. Film Festival in Park City, becoming a platform for independent artists. The Festival was officially renamed the Sundance Film Festival in 1991 attracting thousands of film lovers to this mountain town. Since then, iconic film and television productions have used Park City to enhance their stories, including "Dumb and Dumber" (1994), "Everwood" (2002-2006), "Hereditary" (2018), "Yellowstone" (2018-2020) and more.
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Parry Lodge, Kanab
The Parry Lodge started as a roadside motel in 1931 run by the Parry brothers, who promoted tourism for the Kanab region. Their attention to detail and hospitality drew Hollywood film companies to the area, including golden age Hollywood royalty like John Wayne, Maureen O'Hara, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Shirley Temple, and Clint Eastwood. Over the past century, the hotel has welcomed hundreds of productions, including "The Lone Ranger" (1949-1957) and "The Outlaw Josey Wales" (1976), earning Kanab the title of “Little Hollywood."
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Snow Canyon State Park
Robert Redford, Paul Newman and Katharine Ross starred in the hit film "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" that shot across southern Utah. Snow Canyon State Park's petrified sand dunes and rock formations provided the unique landscape needed for the film's famous chase scenes. A number of other productions have used the park as a backdrop, including "Jeremiah Johnson" (1972), "The Car" (1977) and "High School Musical 2" (2007).
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Sundance Mountain Resort
The serene beauty of Sundance Mountain Resort and Provo Canyon provided the perfect backdrop for "Jeremiah Johnson," the true story of a mountain man who wishes to live life alone in the wilderness. This 1972 film starring Robert Redford embodies all the elements of a classic Western with a soulful hero at its core. Redford went on to found Sundance Institute at Sundance Resort in 1981.
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Uintah Basin/Vernal
Northeastern Utah has long been the place for experiencing the unknown, including aliens, ghosts, dinosaurs and more. The otherworldly landscapes of the Uintah Basin have been dubbed UFO Valley. This fascination has sparked many television shows to document the area's paranormal activity as seen on "Ghost Adventures" (2008), "Expedition X" (2020), "The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch" (2020), and "Mystery at Blind Frog Ranch" (2021).
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Wendover Airfield
Located on the outskirts of the Bonneville Salt Flats, the Historic Wendover Airfield offers a glimpse into the past and a secluded location for films and television shows. The iconic aircraft hangars, control tower, barracks and pool all provided the perfect backdrop for the action-packed thriller "Con Air" starring Nicolas Cage, John Cusack and John Malkovich. Other films including "The Philadelphia Experiment" (1984), "Wind" (1992), "Independence Day" (1996), "Mulholland Falls" (1996), "Hulk" (2003), "The Core" (2003), and "Fallout" (2024) have also featured the Wendover Airfield over the years.
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Zion Canyon Village, Springdale
Robert Redford, Paul Newman and Katharine Ross starred in the hit film "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" that filmed across southern Utah. Since then Washington County has been the backdrop of countless other films and television shows, including "Jeremiah Johnson" (1972), "The Eiger Sanction" (1975), "Romancing the Stone" (1984) and more.
Utah Film Itineraries
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Classic Westerns of the Silver Screen
From the alpine backwoods of Jeremiah Johnson to the sweeping vistas of Westworld and all the John Ford's in between, Utah is the place to travel for movie magic.
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Filmed in Utah: Explore the Settings of Sundance Movies
It’s a film buff’s dream — a three-day northern Utah road trip through the mountains, desert flats and cityscapes featured in Sundance standouts such as “Brigsby Bear,” “SLC Punk!,” “Nine Days,” “Hereditary” and “Frozen."
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Robert Redford’s Sundance Scenes
Journey through some of Utah's most striking mountain and desert filming locations to experience the awe of the all-American frontier immortalized in Robert Redford's "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," "Jeremiah Johnson," and "The Electric Horseman."
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See Where High School Musical Was Born
Walk through the halls of the real-life East High and immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural and rocky mountain landscapes where Disney’s "High School Musical" and "High School Musical: The Musical" series were filmed.
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The Sandlot Fan's Guide to Utah
Relive the nostalgia of "The Sandlot," with visits to filming locations around Salt Lake plus some other kid-inspired stops to make your own memories.
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Thelma & Louise: A Tribute Road Trip Through the Classic Film’s Utah Settings
Perfect for fans of the beloved film “Thelma & Louise,” tour the exact places where the movie was shot, and make some memories of your own exploring the beauty of this exquisite desert.
Stories to Inspire Your Travel
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Escalante River Canyon Trail
Located in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, the Escalante River Canyon river trail winds and knots its way east and south.
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The Creature Comforts of Kanab
Visit Kanab, a welcoming town with classic Western roots and modern-day amenities sitting smack in the middle of Southern Utah’s greatest outdoors.
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Tropic, Utah: Bryce Canyon Coffee Company and The Stone Hearth Grille
Get an introduction to the best-known restaurants in Tropic, Utah — The Stone Hearth Grille and Bryce Canyon Coffee Company. Prepare your appetite!
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Paradise and Slickrock
Utah's national parks seen through a lifelong relationship with Capitol Reef
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Ofland Escalante
Airstreams, cabins and RV sites on the grounds of an old drive-in movie theater near Bryce Canyon and Escalante.
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How to Stay Safe and Stoked as a Solo Woman Traveler
Tips to help keep solo women travelers safe on road trips and outdoor adventures in Utah and beyond. From a gear checklist to suggestions about where to camp and how to handle stressful situations, writer and photographer Elisabeth Brentano shares her experiences.
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Llama Trekking Through Canyon Country
Reconnect with yourself, history and Utah's landscape on a guided llama trek through canyon country.
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It’s About Time We All Unplugged
In Utah, you can find far-flung places to reset, wellness resorts that promote digital detox, and destinations where you can swap screen time for much-needed adventure time.
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5 Places You Can Try Glamorous Camping in Utah
Experience the fun and adventure of camping with a side of luxury.
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Walking The Line Between Risk and Responsibility
Why a Hawaii-based highliner and influencer hasn't returned to Utah — yet.
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Dog-Friendly Utah: The Road to Mighty
Want to bring your furry friend on your next vacation? Utah is home to several great dog-friendly national parks and other fun destinations. Check it out and plan your trip!
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Soil Sleuth: Protecting Utah's Living Landscapes
Visit Utah writer Kristen Pope met Dr. Jayne Belnap, one of the world’s top experts on biological soil crusts, to learn about the importance of biocrusts to Utah's desert landscapes, and how to protect them.
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A Van Lifer’s Guide to Responsible Travel in Southern Utah
When Utah’s dirt roads are calling you, it’s time to plan your van life road trip. Here’s what you need to know to travel safely, support Utah’s rural communities, and help preserve the delicate desert landscapes.
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Make Your Next Trip A Volunteer Vacation
At the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, you can enjoy a getaway to stunning southern Utah while also making a difference in the lives of rescued animals.
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The All-American Road: Scenic Byway 12
This is 122.863 miles (to be exact) of pure driving bliss. Welcome to Utah’s Scenic Byway 12, a designated All-American Road.
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Devil's Garden Outstanding Natural Area
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Cycling Scenic Byway 12: Escalante to Boulder
Looking for scenic bike rides in Utah? Scenic Byway 12 has all the breathtaking views (and riding) you could ever hope for. Get the scoop and get ready.
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Kiva Koffeehouse
Kiva Koffeehouse is a welcome stop for fresh food and espresso tucked on a hillside down a dirt driveway near milepost 73 on the scenic byway.
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A Winter’s Desert: Visiting Southern Utah in the Slow Months
Experiencing the peace of canyon country in the winter is an attraction of its own.
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15 Non-Technical Slot Canyons
You don’t have to be Spider-Man to explore some of the best slot canyons Utah has to offer. You just need to be ready for an adventure in tight spaces with huge photographic rewards
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Utah’s Unexpected Pit Stops
You’re doing it wrong if you think road trip pit stops are boring layovers on your way to more exciting destinations. How many of these hidden gems have you been to? Here are 11 mini-adventures to check off your list next time you’re road-tripping through Utah.
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Why You Should Ditch I-15 on Your Way to Zion
If you’re not in a rush to get to Zion National Park from Northern Utah, consider taking a long, meandering route that features historic sites, adventure breaks and out-of-this-world scenery. Hop off I-15 and take Highway 89 and four nearby scenic byways to see and do as much as you possibly can on your way to Zion.
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Southwestern Utah's Legendary Panoramas
Wondering where to take pictures in Utah? Our guide to the most breathtaking Utah panoramas is only a click away. Plan a photographic getaway today!
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10 Top Stops Along the National Pioneer Mormon Heritage Area
Here are 10 of the best stops along Utah's Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area’s backroads and byways. Explore rich Mormon historic sites, awe-inspiring canyons and mountains and unforgettable outdoor adventures.
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Winter Road Trip: Where to Stay, Hike and Eat When Traveling from Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon
Need winter break ideas? Take a road trip from Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon and enjoy the best of Utah landscapes during its quiet season.
