Top 10 Must-Visit Movie Locations in Utah: A Filmmaker's Paradise

Explore the Real-Life Sets of Your Favorite Films

Utah's surreal landscapes have long served as Hollywood backdrops. Here are 10 top movie locations that should be on every film enthusiast's and filmmaker's radar:

1. Monument Valley: This iconic landscape, with its towering sandstone buttes and sweeping vistas, has been featured in countless Westerns, including John Ford classics like "Stagecoach" and "The Searchers." Monument Valley's dramatic scenery continues to inspire filmmakers seeking a timeless and authentic Western setting.
2. Arches National Park: Home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, Arches National Park offers a surreal and otherworldly landscape. The park's unique formations have been featured in films like "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" and "127 Hours," providing a dramatic backdrop for adventure and exploration stories.
3. Dead Horse Point State Park: Perched high above the Colorado River, Dead Horse Point State Park offers breathtaking panoramic views. Its dramatic cliffs and sweeping vistas have been featured in films like "Thelma & Louise" and "Mission: Impossible II," providing a sense of scale and grandeur.
4. Goblin Valley State Park: This otherworldly landscape, with its thousands of hoodoos resembling goblins, has been featured in films like "Galaxy Quest" and "City Slickers II." Goblin Valley's unique and whimsical formations offer a visually striking backdrop for fantasy and adventure stories.
5. Antelope Island State Park: Located in the Great Salt Lake, Antelope Island State Park offers a unique desert island setting. The park's vast salt flats, rugged mountains, and diverse wildlife have been featured in films like "Thelma & Louise" and "The Sandlot," providing a versatile backdrop for various genres.
6. Snowbasin Ski Resort: Nestled in the Wasatch Mountains, Snowbasin Ski Resort offers stunning mountain scenery and world-class skiing. The resort has been featured in films like "Frozen" and "Dumb and Dumber," providing a picturesque backdrop for winter-themed stories.
7. Park City: This historic mining town, now a world-renowned ski resort, has been the setting for numerous films, including "Thelma & Louise" and "The Sandlot." Park City's charming downtown, historic Main Street, and surrounding mountains offer a diverse range of filming locations.
8. Salt Lake City: The capital city of Utah offers a diverse range of urban and natural settings. From the iconic Mormon Temple to the vibrant downtown area, Salt Lake City has been featured in films like "SLC Punk!" and "Hereditary," providing a versatile backdrop for contemporary stories.
9. Moab: This adventure town, located near Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, has been a popular filming location for Westerns and adventure films. Moab's rugged landscapes, red rock formations, and outdoor activities offer a sense of adventure and exploration.
10. The Bonneville Salt Flats: This vast expanse of white salt, located in western Utah, is a unique and otherworldly landscape. The Bonneville Salt Flats have been featured in films like "Independence Day" and "The World's Fastest Indian," providing a dramatic backdrop for action and adventure stories.

Exploring these Utah film locations not only offers a glimpse into the making of cinematic history but also provides a wealth of inspiration for future filmmaking endeavors. The diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage of the Beehive State continue to make it a true filmmaker's paradise. So, pack your bags, scout these incredible spots, and let the magic of Utah ignite your creative vision!