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Did you know? 5 Movies Filmed in Southern Utah

Good ol’ Southern Utah—home to towering red rocks, a dozen national parks, and some of the best mountain biking in the world. The unique landscapes of the red desert are instantly recognizable, and more than one Hollywood Heartthrob has spent time behind a camera in this remote region. Countless films shot in Southern Utah have drawn filmmakers to the area, making it a renowned destination for filmmaking.

Many moviemakers have tried to capture the magic of southern Utah in their films, with some early efforts dating all the way back to the 1930s. The history of Southern Utah movies is rich, and its ongoing legacy in filmmaking continues to attract new productions. Today it’s a fun challenge to see how many iconic spots from the big screen you can visit, and this guide gives you a place to start. Here are 5 places in Southern Utah that have appeared in our favorite southern utah movies, and if you’re planning a trip to see them, our collection of travel guides and tips for exploring Southern Utah can help you make the most of your visit.

John Carter – Lake Powell

Locations: Kanab, Big Water, Lake Powell
Starring: Tyler Kitsch, William Defoe, Lynn Collins
Release Year: 2012

The 2012 box office flop that has since gained a cult following, John Carter follows the adventures of a Confederate soldier transported to Mars. Despite its (for the time) enormous budget of $250 million, the film underperformed and was considered a commercial failure. Still, in the years since, many have grown fond of its ambitious storytelling and memorable characters.

Because most of the movie takes place on the red planet, the red deserts of Southern Utah were a natural choice for filming, thanks to the region’s unique and dramatic landscape. With sweeping shots that cover large portions of Kanab and the narrow canyons of Lake Powell, John Carter perfectly captures the otherworldly beauty of Southern Utah. While the plot may not be everyone’s cup of tea, the excellent filming makes both the movie and its locations—and the stunning settings in Southern Utah—worth experiencing.

Stagecoach – Monument Valley

Locations: McDonald Ranch, Monument Valley
Starring: John Wayne, John Ford, Claire Trevor
Release Year: 1939

John Wayne is a household name across the American Southwest, and his breakout role in the 1939 film Stagecoach cemented his fame as “the” Hollywood western actor. At almost 90 years old, Stagecoach has stood the test of time as a standout film that set the bar for future westerns, influencing how the cinematic ‘West’ is depicted on screen.

While the red of the red rocks might be lost in a black-and-white film, the towering monoliths of Monument Valley certainly aren’t. Director John Ford captures this bleak and hauntingly beautiful section of Highway 89 with masterful accuracy, driving home the lonely tale of a group of misfits crossing the desert together, much like today’s travelers who venture beyond the main parks to discover hidden gems of Southern Utah. Stagecoach is deeply connected to the cinematic past of the region, serving as a touchstone for generations of filmmakers. Whether you’ve seen the movie or not, don’t miss a chance to experience the views of Monument Valley.

Galaxy Quest – Goblin Valley

Locations: Goblin Valley
Starring: Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman
Release Year: 1999

An intergalactic comedy full of 90s nostalgia, Galaxy Quest follows the adventure of a group of science fiction TV actors who get sucked up into a real alien conflict. The film is a clever parody of other popular science fiction works, namely Star Trek, and maintains a thoughtful level of respect for its source material. The film was a modest box office success and has been praised for its great writing and all-star cast.

While Galaxy Quest mostly takes place in outer space, it earns a spot on our list for one scene that made great use of the rock formations in Goblin Valley, an area that pairs nicely with relaxing, grown-up stops like Zion Vineyards, a hidden gem in Southern Utah. The towering rock “goblins” were an excellent backdrop for an encounter with hostile aliens, and the film’s creative cinematography captured the unique formations in a visually striking way. To top it all off, action junkies will get a kick out of watching the rocks come alive to form a massive stone monster (was that a spoiler?).

The Lone Ranger – Kanab

Locations: Kanab Canyon
Starring: Lee Powell, Chief Thundercloud, George Montgomery
Release Year: 1956

This 1956 film was an attempt to capitalize on the popularity of the Lone Ranger TV show that was running at the time. The attempt was successful, with viewers and critics alike praising its accurate translation of the small-screen story to the cinema. It helps that the director of the show, Stuart Heisler, also took the reins for the movie. It also helps that it featured scenic locations in Kanab, Utah. The Kanab Movie Fort, a historic set used in classic Westerns like ‘The Yellow Tomahawk’, is one of the notable filming sites that showcases the area’s deep connection to Hollywood productions.

Also known as “Little Hollywood”, Kanab has been a popular setting for Western movies for nearly a century. The town has also played a significant role in hosting television shows and film productions, further cementing its reputation in the entertainment industry. The Lone Ranger made excellent use of the dry desert, towering red rocks, and iconic slot canyons during its 86-minute runtime, and remains a classic among Americans everywhere. Parry Lodge, a historic hotel in Kanab, famously accommodated Hollywood stars and film crews during these productions, adding to the town’s cinematic legacy, much like how St. George RV Park & Resort offers unmatched comfort in Southern Utah for today’s travelers exploring the region. Watch it for yourself, and then take a trip to Kanab and imagine the Ranger and his trusty companion Tonto as you take in the sights, experiencing where a film crew once brought these stories to life.

Planet of the Apes – Lake Powell

Locations: Lake Powell
Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Tim Roth, Helena Bonham Carter
Release Year: 2001

Both the original 1968 adaptation of the classic Planet of the Apes novel and the 2001 remake were filmed in Southern Utah. While (arguably) the weaker of the two, we’ll focus on the remake, as a 30-year span in camera technology makes a big difference when capturing sweeping outdoor vistas.

The movie features Mark Wahlberg as an astronaut who gets stranded on an alien planet (we’re beginning to see a theme here) where apes rule and humans are oppressed, a far cry from the welcoming basecamp you’ll find when you explore the Gateway RV Resort map to plan your stay. The movie stands as more of a reimagining than a direct remake, and director Tim Burton’s signature dark, gothic style is displayed throughout.

In stark contrast to the darker scenes are the ones shot on the bright shores of Lake Powell. The sandy beaches and sheer cliffs served as a nod to the same locations used in the original film. While it was ultimately difficult to shoot on, the grandeur of Lake Powell created an excellent out-of-this-world setting for Planet of the Apes.

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We’ve only listed 5 here, but Southern Utah has been the backdrop for dozens of movies over the years. Whether creating alien landscapes or the harsh deserts of classic westerns, Southern Utah has been in enough movies to earn its own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. As you search for these famous filming locations, be sure to capture photos and make unforgettable memories along the way.

If you’re taking a trip through the Red Desert, we invite you to stop by Gateway Luxury RV Resort in Southern Utah for a night. Or two. Or five. While we’re not close enough to visit every location on this list, we’re located right next to Zion National Park and serve as a convenient luxury RV resort base for exploring Southern Utah and many other popular destinations. We feature full hookups for RVs and luxury casitas designed for comfort and relaxation for those looking for a taste of home. So pack up the RV, hit the road, and let us be your Southern Utah stop at our Southern Utah getaway RV resort and casitas.

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