Hollywood’s Favorite Backdrop? Southern Utah’s Landscapes

The state of Utah has so many diverse landscapes that it's appeal to Hollywood film makers can be traced back for more than a century. If you check out the Utah Film Commission website many of the 1st page options are right here in Southern Utah! The first row of options of places to film include Sand Hollow State Park, Pioneer Park in St. George and Gunlock State Park Falls. (In the spring.)

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Utah absolutely shines in the spotlight. With striking landscapes and cinematic backdrops, the state has long been a favorite of Hollywood filmmakers.

Back by popular demand, the Thelma & Louise: A Tribute Road Trip takes visitors on a scenic drive through filming locations used in the 1991 cult classic. This self-guided tour invites fans to retrace the steps of the iconic duo across some of Utah’s most beautiful locations.

Here’s how the state website describes it:
"This itinerary brings a whole new meaning to hitting the open road. 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. You can go high-adventure and rough it, or stay in plush lodging with wine pairings at dinner — whatever you and your closest posse are seeking."

Whether you’re in for the nostalgia or the scenery (or both), this tour is a cinematic escape worth putting on your summer bucket list. READ MORE: Thelma & Louise Tour

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And now....The landscapes you’ve seen on screen—and never forgotten.

The #1 National Park film location is in Utah and it is Zion National Park. One of the first films I remember my grandma watching was the 1930 Billy The Kid filmed in Zion. The intrigue for the wild west happened long ago and still continues today.

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Some of the most filmed places in Utah are found in Southern Utah. Many film makers have chosen Arches National Park (above), Moab (below) and Dead Horse Point Overlook (article cover) to feature in their films. Those are just the areas with the most credits to their name.

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From Western Classics to Cult Favorites: Hollywood Loves Southern Utah

There are over 200 pages of movie credits that include places in Utah. You can check out the list here: Films shot in Utah With so many modern movies to chose from we almost forget that a lot of the older westerns were filmed in Kanab Utah. Kanab was called 'Utah's Little Hollywood.'

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With too many Westerns to name filmed in Kanab over the years; here is a small sampling of titles filmed there, Western Union (1940), The Desperadoes (1943), Smoky (1946), Black Bart (1948), Green Grass of Wyoming (1948), Calamity Jane and Sam Bass (1949), Sierra (1950), The Outriders (1950), and Westward the Women (1951).

Another classic film that was set in Southern Utah was Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid. Filming meandered through Southern Utah and hit places like Snow Canyon State Park, the City of St George and Zion National Park as well. You can check out the Utah Film Commission's itinerary road trip right here: Butch Cassidy Road Trip

You’ve seen it in the movies. Now see it for yourself! Explore Utah. ♥