Five Filming Locations in Arches National Park
Arches National Parked is filled to the brim with red rocks, arches and scenic beauty. So it comes as no surprise that it’s a top pick as a Hollywood filming location. The results are some stunning backdrops and jaw-dropping views that were added to the big screen. And the good news is many of these sites are pretty easy to find. So take some time to scout out these Hollywood filming locations in Arches National Park on your next visit.
A Little Primer
Before you visit the park, plan a stop at the Moab Museum of Film and Western Heritage (redcliffslodge.com), which is just a short scenic drive down Highway 128 at Red Cliffs Lodge. Not only will it help you appreciate the complexities of filming on location, but it will also give you some fun inside stories on the productions filmed in the area.
There’s accessible parking in front of the lodge, and although the museum is located down a flight of stairs, there’s an alternate accessible entrance. From the accessible parking space, follow the sidewalk on the left, down around the building to the level back entrance. Inside you’ll find a hallway lined with movie posters, with the museum at the end of the hall on the right. There’s level access to the museum with good pathway access to all the exhibits.
Take some time to watch the introductory video that details the history of filming in the area and includes some fun facts, stories and recollections about the flicks. The museum is jam packed with memorabilia from the over 120 movies shot in the area, including City Slickers II, Back to the Future III, Thelma and Louise and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Don’t miss the Geena Davis stunt dummy that survived the final crash in Thelma and Louise, or the license plate from the Shaguar in Austin Powers Goldmember. Add in a large collection of photographs, movie posters and memorabilia and you have a complete picture of the filming history in the area. And the best part is – there’s no admission charge to this fun and funky museum.
Filming Locations in Arches
Park Avenue Viewpoint
Located about two miles from the park entrance, Park Avenue Viewpoint is the first stop on this filming locations in Arches scenic drive. The opening scenes of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade were filmed here. Just picture a group of boy scouts — including a youthful Indy –riding their horses through the desert against this magnificent backdrop. There’s accessible parking near the paved 200-foot trail out to the upper viewpoint, where you’ll get a good view of the towering formations that resemble the skyscrapers of Manhattan.
Courthouse Towers
Just down the road you’ll find Courthouse Towers, the next stop on this Arches filming locations tour. A memorable scene from Thelma & Louise was filmed nearby. It begins begins as the pair is stopped by a police officer in the middle of nowhere, and concludes when the gals get the officer’s gun and later locking him in the trunk of his car. Just look down the road and try to imagine it all unfolding. There’s accessible parking in the small lot with level access to viewpoints on both sides, so you’ll have plenty of vantage points for a good view.
Balanced Rock
Balanced Rock, which is located just south of the intersection of Arches National Park Road and The Windows Road, is one of the most popular stops in the park. It was also a filming site for Rio Conchos starring Stuart Whitman and Richard Boone in 1964. The infamous rock can be seen in the background in several scenes, but is most prominent in the camping scene. There’s accessible parking in the small lot near Balanced Rock, with curb-cut access up to the interpretive plaque. From there you’ll get an excellent view of this Arches favorite.
Double Arch
Located in the Windows Section of the park, Double Arch was another filming site for Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Again in the beginning of the movie, River Phoenix runs down the hill in front of the arch, after encountering some grave robbers. There’s accessible parking near the trailhead, and the .3-mile trail leads out to this unique arch. It may be doable for some slow walkers and power wheelchair-users, but manual wheelchair-users may require assistance with the first steep grade. And even if you can’t do the trail, you’ll still get a good view of Double Arch from the trailhead.
Devils Garden Trail
Last but not least on our tour of filming locations in Arches is the Devils Garden Trail, which is located at the end of the Arches National Park Road. Although the entire length of this tail is not accessible, the first 100 yards offers some dramatic views for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. It was also the filming site for Taza Son of Cochise. More specifically, the scene where the US Calvary was ambushed by the Indians was shot here. Just imagine the troops advancing through the fin, only to be cut down in the attack. The first part of this trail is a must see, as you don’t often find wheelchair-accessible canyon walks.
Insider Tip
In an effort to better manage the crowds at Arches National Park, entrance reservations are required during the peak visitation season. These reservations are not available for purchase at the park entrance. They must be purchased in advance at www.recreation.gov. Additionally, even if you have a national park pass you still need an entrance reservation to enter the park between 7AM and 4PM.
That said, the park is absolutely gorgeous in the early morning hours; so if you don’t happen to score an entrance reservation get there before 7AM. As an added bonus, you’re find fewer people there at that hour, and you won’t have to search in vain for parking at the popular stops. For more information about the required entrance reservations, visit emerginghorizons.com/arches-national-park-institutes-timed-entry-reservation-system.
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