For the movie lovers and adventure seekers, set-jetting offers a unique way to combine travel with a passion for film. Set-jetting involves visiting the real-life locations where some of your favorite movies or shows were filmed, allowing you to step into the scenes and landscapes that have captivated audiences on the big screen. Southern Utah, with its stunning red rock canyons, expensive desserts, and rugged landscapes, has been a popular filming location for decades. From classic Westerns to adventure films, this region has served as the backdrop for numerous iconic movies. If you’re planning a trip to Southern Utah, set-jetting is a fantastic way to explore the area and relive cinematic history.
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
One of the most famous films shot there starred Paul Newman and Robert Redford. The film’s famous cliff-jumping scene was filmed at the breathtakingly beautiful Zion National Park, where the towering red cliffs and dramatic landscapes perfectly encapsulate the spirit of the Old West. Visitors can hike through the same canyons and cliffs seen in the movie, making for an unforgettable experience.
Jeremiah Johnson (1972)
Another classic starring Robert Redford, this film was partially filmed in the rugged wilderness of Southern Utah. The movie, which follows the story of a mountain man surviving in the harsh American wilderness, captures the raw beauty of the region. Areas around the Uinta Mountains and Zion National Park were used to create the film’s iconic wilderness scenes. These locations remain largely unchanged, offering visitors a true sense of the frontier life depicted in the movie.
The Eiger Sanction (1975)
Starring Clinton Eastwood, this film features thrilling climbing scenes set against the dramatic landscape. While the film is primarily set in the Swiss Alps, many of the climbing scenes were shot in and around Monument Valley and Zion National Park.
Romancing the Stone (1984)
This adventure-romance film may be set in the jungles of Colombia, but several key scenes were actually filmed in Southern Utah’s Moab area. The region’s unique red rock formations and canyons provide a stunning backdrop for the movie’s action-packed sequences. Moab’s Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park are must-visit destinations for fans of the film, offering not only incredible scenery but also opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring the rugged landscape.
Western Movie Set
Another iconic spot is Johnson Canyon, located just east of Kanab, UT. This remote area was once home to a famous Western movie set that was used in numerous films and TV shows from the 1940s to 1970s. The set was originally built for the movie Westward Women, and later became a popular location for Westerns such as The Outlaw Josey Wales and Gunsmoke. Although the structures have deteriorated over time, remnants of the set still stand, offering a glimpse into Hollywood’s golden age of Westerns. The surrounding area also was used as a location for such iconic titles as "How the West Was Won", "Death Valley Days", "Have Gun, Will Travel", "Wagon Train", "Call of the West" and others.
Planning Your Stay
Set-jetting in Southern Utah offers a unique opportunity to explore the region’s breathtaking landscapes while reliving some of Hollywood’s most iconic films. From the towering cliffs of Zion National Park to the historic movie sets of Johnson Canyon, there’s no shortage of cinematic history to discover.
To make your set-jetting adventure truly unforgettable, make your home base one of our amazing Family Time Vacation Rentals. We have properties in various locations in Southern Utah, from ski-in/ski-out condos to private luxury homes in the mountains near the National Parks. Immerse yourself in the beauty, experience the magic of the movies, and create memories that will last a lifetime on your set-jetting getaway!