25 Famous Movies Filmed in Utah: The Ultimate Film Location Guide
25 Famous Movies Filmed in Utah: The Ultimate Film Location Guide
Utah has served as the backdrop for Hollywood's most iconic films for nearly a century, transforming its iconic red rock canyons, towering sandstone formations, and diverse landscapes into everything from alien planets to the Wild West.
From John Wayne's legendary Westerns in Monument Valley to modern blockbusters like High School Musical, the Beehive State continues to captivate filmmakers and audiences alike.
With over 450 films and television series shot across Utah's varied terrain, the state offers movie buffs an unparalleled opportunity to walk in the footsteps of their favorite characters and experience cinematic history firsthand.
Famous Movies Filmed in Utah to Inspire Your Trip
Planning your Utah adventure? Consider the luxurious Westgate Park City Resort & Spa as your home base for exploring Utah's incredible film locations. From Park City, you're within easy reach of Salt Lake City's High School Musical sites, southern Utah's dramatic red rock country, and the iconic landscapes that have defined American cinema for generations.
Whether you're a classic film enthusiast, a Disney Channel devotee, or an action movie fan, Utah's film locations provide the perfect blend of natural beauty and Hollywood magic. Many of these filming sites remain accessible to visitors today, inviting you to create your own memories in places where movie legends were born.
1 | Stagecoach (1939) | John Ford's groundbreaking Western made John Wayne a star and established Monument Valley as the iconic landscape of the American West.
Though the film features only about 90 seconds of Monument Valley footage in its 90-minute runtime, those shots defined Western filmmaking for generations. The movie's success prompted Ford to return to Monument Valley nine more times throughout his career.
Filming Locations: Monument Valley
Film Fact: This was the film that put Monument Valley on the map as Hollywood's go-to Western location. Before Stagecoach, the area was relatively unknown outside the Navajo Nation.
Visit Today: Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park remains open to visitors, with scenic drives and guided tours available. Stop at John Ford's Point, named in honor of the legendary director.
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2 | The Searchers (1956) | Considered one of the greatest Western films ever made, The Searchers starred John Wayne as a Civil War veteran searching for his niece, who was kidnapped by Comanches.
Director John Ford captured Monument Valley in stunning VistaVision color, showcasing the landscape's dramatic beauty like never before.
Filming Locations: Monument Valley, Kanab
Film Fact: This was John Ford's first film to capture Monument Valley in full color, forever cementing its iconic red-orange hues in the American imagination.
Visit Today: Many of the filming locations remain virtually unchanged. Visit during golden hour for the same magical lighting that made the film so visually stunning.
3 | Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) | This beloved buddy Western starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford tells the true story of two outlaws robbing banks and trains in the 1890s American West.
The film's success inspired Robert Redford to establish the Sundance Film Festival in Utah, forever changing the state's relationship with cinema.
Filming Locations: Grafton Ghost Town, Snow Canyon State Park, St. George, Zion National Park
Film Fact: Robert Redford fell in love with Utah while filming this movie and moved to the state shortly after, purchasing land in the Wasatch Mountains that would become Sundance Resort.
Visit Today: Grafton Ghost Town, where Katharine Ross's schoolteacher character lived, remains one of Utah's most photographed ghost towns. The abandoned buildings and stunning backdrop make it a must-visit location.
4 | Forrest Gump (1994) | In one of cinema's most memorable scenes, Forrest Gump abruptly stops his three-year cross-country run on Highway 163 near Monument Valley. The iconic road with Monument Valley's towering buttes in the background has become a pilgrimage site for fans worldwide.
Filming Locations: Monument Valley (Highway 163), Mexican Hat
Film Fact: The exact spot where Forrest stops running is located on U.S. Highway 163 at mile marker 13, heading south from Mexican Hat toward the Arizona border.
Visit Today: Pull over at the designated viewpoint to capture your own "Forrest Gump moment." The view remains unchanged since 1994, with the same majestic buttes rising from the desert floor.
5 | Thelma & Louise (1991) | Ridley Scott's groundbreaking feminist road movie features some of Utah's most spectacular landscapes.
While the characters believe they're approaching the Grand Canyon, the film's iconic final scene was shot at Dead Horse Point State Park, with the Colorado River flowing 2,000 feet below.
Filming Locations: Dead Horse Point State Park, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, La Sal Mountains, Cisco, Thompson Springs
Film Fact: The production used three identical 1966 turquoise Ford Thunderbirds for the final scene. The first car did an ugly nose-dive, so they rigged the second to launch into the air for the perfect shot that made film history.
Visit Today: Thelma & Louise Point at Dead Horse Point State Park can be reached via the Shafer Trail. The viewpoint offers breathtaking canyon views that extend for miles.
6 | 127 Hours (2010) | Danny Boyle's intense survival drama tells the true story of Aron Ralston, who became trapped in a remote slot canyon and had to amputate his own arm to survive. The film was shot in the actual location where Ralston's ordeal occurred, lending authenticity to James Franco's powerful performance.
Filming Locations: Blue John Canyon, Horseshoe Canyon, Sand Flats Recreation Area, Moab
Film Fact: Aron Ralston himself described the film as "so factually accurate it is as close to a documentary as you can get and still be a drama." Franco spent time with Ralston to prepare for the role.
Visit Today: Blue John Canyon is extremely remote and should only be visited with proper preparation, permits, and preferably a guide. The area serves as a reminder of the importance of hiking safely in Utah's desert landscapes.
7 | High School Musical (2006) | Disney Channel's cultural phenomenon was filmed almost entirely at real high schools in Salt Lake City.
East High School, where most scenes were shot, has become a tourist attraction with fans traveling from around the world to see Sharpay's pink locker, the cafeteria where students sang "Stick to the Status Quo," and the gym where Troy led the Wildcats to victory.
Filming Locations: East High School (Salt Lake City), Murray High School
Film Fact: All three High School Musical movies were filmed at East High School, but the audition scene was actually filmed at Murray High School's auditorium.
Visit Today: Both schools offer tours, but be sure to call ahead as they are functioning schools.
8 | Mission: Impossible II (2000) | Tom Cruise's second outing as Ethan Hunt opens with one of cinema's most heart-stopping sequences, a free solo rock climb on a massive cliff face. The scene was filmed at Dead Horse Point State Park, with the winding Colorado River visible thousands of feet below.
Filming Locations: Dead Horse Point State Park
Film Fact: While Tom Cruise performed many of his own stunts, the most dangerous climbing shots used professional rock climbers and careful camera work to create the illusion of the death-defying ascent.
Visit Today: Dead Horse Point State Park offers several overlooks where you can appreciate the same dizzying views featured in the film. The park's visitor center provides information about the area's geology and film history.
9 | The Lone Ranger (2013) | Johnny Depp brought the classic Western hero back to the big screen with spectacular chase sequences filmed across Utah's most iconic landscapes. Monument Valley provided the sweeping desert vistas, while Dead Horse Point served as the backdrop for dramatic action scenes.
Filming Locations: Monument Valley, Dead Horse Point State Park, Moab
Film Fact: The production returned to Monument Valley to honor the location's Western film heritage, shooting scenes at John Ford's Point and other locations made famous by classic Westerns.
Visit Today: Follow the scenic drive through Monument Valley to see where the Lone Ranger and Tonto raced across the desert. The tribal park offers both self-guided tours and Navajo-guided excursions that include film history.
10 | Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) | The third Indiana Jones adventure brought Harrison Ford to Utah for scenes set in the American Southwest. The dramatic rock formations of Arches National Park provided the perfect backdrop for Indy's archaeological exploits.
Filming Locations: Arches National Park, Moab
Film Fact: The area around Moab has hosted so many film productions that locals joke they see more movie crews than tourists during certain seasons.
Visit Today: Arches National Park requires timed entry reservations during peak season, so be sure to plan ahead.
11 | Back to the Future Part III (1990) | The final installment of the beloved time-travel trilogy sent Marty McFly back to the Wild West of 1885. Monument Valley's timeless landscape provided the perfect setting for Old West adventures, with its distinctive buttes standing in for the frontier town's surroundings.
Filming Locations: Monument Valley (Pohatchee Drive-In Theatre scene)
Film Fact: The made-up Pohatchee Drive-In Theatre scene was filmed in Monument Valley, using the iconic landscape to establish the Western setting immediately.
Visit Today: While the drive-in was a movie set, Monument Valley's landscape remains the same today. And luckily, you don’t need a DeLorean to visit.
12 | The Sandlot (1993) |This nostalgic coming-of-age baseball film was shot entirely in northern Utah. The iconic sandlot where the kids played baseball was located in Salt Lake City's Glendale neighborhood, while the memorable pool scene was filmed at Ogden's Lorin Farr Community Pool.
Filming Locations: Salt Lake City (Glendale neighborhood), Liberty Park, Ogden (Lorin Farr Community Pool)
Film Fact: Many of the filming locations remain recognizable today, allowing fans to recreate their favorite scenes from this beloved 90s classic.
Visit Today: The actual sandlot has changed since filming, but Liberty Park in Salt Lake City (where the carnival scene was shot) remains a popular recreation spot. And the Lorin Farr Pool in Ogden still operates during summer months.
13 | Footloose (1984) | Kevin Bacon's iconic dance-filled drama about a city kid bringing dance to a conservative small town was filmed throughout Utah County. The famous mill scene where Ren performs his rebellious dance was shot at the Lehi Roller Mills, with the Wasatch Mountains looming dramatically in the background.
Filming Locations: Payson, American Fork, Provo, Lehi
Film Fact: The Lehi Roller Mills, where Kevin Bacon filmed the iconic dance sequence, is still operating today and is a registered historic landmark.
Visit Today: The mill is visible from the road and remains a popular photo spot for fans. Many other filming locations around Payson and Provo are also accessible to visitors.
14 | Jeremiah Johnson (1972) | Robert Redford stars in this epic tale of a man who abandons civilization to become a mountain man in the isolated Rocky Mountains. The film showcased nearly 100 locations across Utah, serving as a tribute to the state's diverse scenery.
Filming Locations: Alpine Loop, Mt. Timpanogos, Ashley National Forest, Snow Canyon, Sundance, Uinta National Forest, Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Zion National Park
Film Fact: This was one of Robert Redford's early Utah films, cementing his love affair with the state that would lead to him establishing the Sundance Resort and the Sundance Film Festival.
Visit Today: The filming locations span much of northern and southern Utah. The Alpine Loop scenic byway offers stunning mountain vistas similar to those featured in the film.
15 | 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) | Stanley Kubrick's groundbreaking science fiction masterpiece used Monument Valley's otherworldly landscape to represent an alien planet.
During the surreal exploration sequence near the film's end, astronaut Dave Bowman travels "beyond the infinite" through landscapes that include the distinctive buttes of Monument Valley.
Filming Locations: Monument Valley
Film Fact: Kubrick chose Monument Valley specifically because its unique geological formations looked convincingly alien while still being recognizable to audiences.
Visit Today: Stand in the same location that represented the surface of an alien world in one of cinema's most influential science fiction films.
16 | Easy Rider (1969) | Dennis Hopper's counterculture classic paid homage to John Ford's Western landscapes by featuring motorcycles instead of horses riding through Monument Valley. The film's iconic imagery of Billy and Wyatt riding past Agathla Peak and Owl Rock at dawn became emblematic of 1960s freedom and rebellion.
Filming Locations: Monument Valley (Agathla Peak, Owl Rock)
Film Fact: Easy Rider was one of the first contemporary films to be filmed in Monument Valley after John Ford's long association with the location.
Visit Today: The same roads featured in the film are accessible today via Highway 163, offering the chance to cruise through Monument Valley's iconic landscape.
17 | Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002) | The third Austin Powers film brought Mike Myers' groovy secret agent back to Dead Horse Point for an over-the-top opening sequence featuring Tom Cruise in a cameo. The scene includes parachuting into a speeding car and playing chicken with an assault helicopter along the canyon's edge.
Filming Locations: Dead Horse Point State Park
Film Fact: Dead Horse Point has become one of Utah's most frequently filmed locations due to its dramatic 2,000-foot cliff edges and sweeping canyon views.
Visit Today: Dead Horse Point State Park offers multiple overlooks and hiking trails where you can safely enjoy the same spectacular views featured in the film.
18 | Galaxy Quest (1999) | This beloved sci-fi comedy starring Tim Allen and Sigourney Weaver used Goblin Valley's bizarre rock formations to represent an alien planet. The unique mushroom-shaped hoodoos provided the perfect extraterrestrial landscape.
Filming Locations: Goblin Valley State Park
Film Fact: Goblin Valley's thousands of oddly-shaped rock formations were formed by erosion over millions of years, creating a landscape that truly looks otherworldly.
Visit Today: Goblin Valley State Park welcomes visitors to explore the same alien-looking terrain featured in the film.
19 | Con Air (1997) | Nicolas Cage's action thriller about a prison transport plane hijacking featured extensive aerial footage of Utah's canyon country. The dramatic landscapes of Dead Horse Point and Canyonlands provided the backdrop for the film's explosive action sequences.
Filming Locations: Dead Horse Point State Park, Canyonlands National Park, Monument Valley, Lake Powell
Film Fact: The aerial cinematography showcased Utah's canyon country from perspectives rarely seen by ground-level visitors.
Visit Today: While you can't recreate the aerial stunts, scenic flights over Canyonlands and Monument Valley offer similar perspectives to those featured in the film.
20 | Dumb and Dumber (1994) | Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels brought slapstick comedy gold to Utah in this Farrelly Brothers classic about two lovable dimwits on a cross-country road trip.
While the film is set in Aspen, Colorado, the iconic frozen mini-bike scene where Harry and Lloyd arrive in "Aspen" was actually filmed on Main Street in Park City. Numerous other memorable moments were captured throughout northern Utah, including Salt Lake City's old airport, apartments downtown, and locations in Ogden and Heber City.
Filming Locations: Park City (Main Street), Salt Lake City, Ogden, Heber City, Deer Valley
Film Fact: Most of the film's interior shots were filmed at Intermountain Studios in Orem—the same studio built by The Osmonds for The Donnie and Marie Osmond Show.
Visit Today: Main Street in Park City remains a charming destination year-round, offering upscale shopping, dining, and the same mountain-town atmosphere featured in the film. Park City is also home to the Sundance Film Festival each January, making it a must-visit for any film lover exploring Utah's cinematic heritage.
21 | Westworld (TV Series, 2016-2022) | HBO's science fiction Western series used Utah's dramatic landscapes extensively for wide establishing shots and key scenes. Dead Horse Point's sweeping horizons became instantly recognizable as part of the show's futuristic Western theme park.
Filming Locations: Swasey Beach, Dead Horse Point State Park, Castle Valley, Fisher Valley
Film Fact: The series combined multiple Utah locations with California filming to create the show's distinctive blend of Western and futuristic aesthetics.
Visit Today: Dead Horse Point and Castle Valley are both accessible to visitors. Castle Valley in particular offers stunning views of red rock formations and the La Sal Mountains.
22 | John Carter (2012) | This big-budget Disney adaptation of Edgar Rice Burroughs' Mars novels used Utah's red rock landscapes to represent the Red Planet. Multiple locations around Moab and Lake Powell were combined to create the alien world of Barsoom.
Film Fact: The production chose Utah specifically because its red rock landscapes closely matched descriptions of Mars from the original novels.
Visit Today: Lake Powell offers boat tours and rentals that allow visitors to explore the same water and red rock scenery featured in the film.
23 | National Lampoon's Vacation (1983) | The Griswold family's cross-country road trip to Walley World included a memorable stop in Monument Valley, where yet another calamity befalls the unfortunate family. The iconic landscape served as the perfect backdrop for the family's continuing misadventures.
Filming Locations: Monument Valley
Film Fact: Monument Valley has appeared in so many films across different genres that it's become one of the most recognizable landscapes in cinema.
Visit Today: Follow in the Griswolds' tire tracks by driving through Monument Valley on your own family road trip. The scenic drive takes about 2-3 hours.
24 | Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007) | The third Pirates film used Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats to represent Davy Jones' Locker, a bleached, otherworldly desert where souls are trapped. The salt flats' stark white expanse provided the perfect ethereal landscape for this supernatural realm.
Filming Locations: Bonneville Salt Flats
Film Fact: They cover over 30,000 acres and were formed when ancient Lake Bonneville evaporated, leaving behind vast deposits of salt.
Visit Today: The Bonneville Salt Flats are located near Wendover along I-80. Visit during dry conditions to see the brilliant white surface stretching to the horizon.
25 | Star Trek (2009) | John Wayne's controversial portrayal of Genghis Khan was filmed at Snow Canyon State Park. While the film itself is widely considered one of Hollywood's worst movies, the location showcases beautiful red rock formations.
Filming Locations: Snow Canyon State Park (near St. George)
Film Fact: Despite the film's quality issues, the Snow Canyon location provides stunning scenery that has been featured in many other productions.
Visit Today: Snow Canyon State Park offers hiking trails, rock climbing, and camping opportunities among its distinctive red and white sandstone formations.
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Top Film Locations You Can Visit in Utah
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park | The most iconic Western landscape in film history, Monument Valley has appeared in dozens of movies from Stagecoach to Forrest Gump. The tribal park offers a 17-mile scenic drive with pullouts at famous viewpoints, including John Ford's Point. Navajo-guided tours provide deeper access to filming locations and cultural insights.
Getting There: Located on the Utah-Arizona border along Highway 163, about four hours south of Moab and 2.5 hours north of Flagstaff, Arizona.
Dead Horse Point State Park | This state park features breathtaking views from 2,000-foot cliffs overlooking the Colorado River. The park has appeared in Mission: Impossible II, Thelma & Louise, Westworld, and many other productions. Multiple overlooks provide different perspectives of the canyon.
Getting There: Located 30 miles southwest of Moab via Highway 191 and Highway 313. The park is about 10 miles from Canyonlands National Park.
East High School (Salt Lake City) | The real East High School, where all three High School Musical movies were filmed, welcomes visitors for self-guided tours during the school year. You can see Sharpay's locker, the commons where students sang, and the gym where Troy played basketball.
Getting There: Located at 840 S 1300 E in Salt Lake City, easily accessible by car or public transportation.
Arches National Park | Home to over 2,000 natural stone arches, this national park has appeared in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Thelma & Louise, and many other films. The park's distinctive formations include Delicate Arch, Balanced Rock, and the Windows Section.
Getting There: Located five miles north of Moab on Highway 191. Timed-entry reservations are required during peak season (April-October).
Grafton Ghost Town | This picturesque ghost town near Zion National Park served as Katharine Ross's home in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. The abandoned buildings remain standing, providing a glimpse into 19th-century pioneer life and one of Western cinema's most beloved locations.
Getting There: Located about five miles southwest of Rockville (near Springdale). Access via Bridge Road off Highway 9.
Fun Film Facts About Utah
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Hollywood's Longest-Running Film Commission: The Moab to Monument Valley Film Commission holds the title of the longest-running film commission in the world, established in 1949 by rancher George White after seeing John Ford's production employ almost all of Moab's 1,500 residents.
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The John Ford Legacy: Director John Ford filmed in Monument Valley nine times after Stagecoach made the location famous. His association with the area was so strong that other directors avoided filming there for nearly 30 years out of respect, until Sergio Leone broke the ice with Once Upon a Time in the West.
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Utah Film Trail: The Utah Film Commission created the Utah Film Trail, a self-guided tour with over 40 marked locations across the state where famous films and TV shows were shot. Download the app or visit the website to create your own cinematic road trip.
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Film Museum at Red Cliffs Ranch: Located on Highway 128 near Moab, this free museum houses memorabilia from films shot in the area, including props, costumes, and behind-the-scenes photos from productions spanning decades.
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Economic Impact: Utah's film industry generates hundreds of millions of dollars annually for the state economy. The 2024-2025 fiscal year saw record-breaking production activity, with productions utilizing Utah's diverse landscapes and skilled crew base.
Lights, Camera, Vacation!
Utah's remarkable film legacy offers movie lovers a unique opportunity to step into the frames of their favorite films. From Monument Valley's timeless Western vistas to Salt Lake City's High School Musical nostalgia, from Dead Horse Point's edge-of-your-seat action sequences to the otherworldly landscapes that doubled for alien planets, Utah's diverse terrain has captured imaginations for nearly a century.
So, pack your camera, download some classic film soundtracks, and get ready to create your own memorable scenes in the landscapes where Hollywood legends were born!
For more travel guides and tips for exploring Utah, visit our Westgate Resorts Travel Blog.
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