Where in Utah Was Kevin Costner’s Horizon Filmed? A Roadtrip Through Iconic Locations

From the rugged desert-like landscapes of Moab to the lush scenery surrounding the Colorado River, Southern Utah has served as a backdrop for hundreds of movies over the years. Western films, in particular, have featured Utah’s red rocks and diverse geography as a background to bring visuals of the Wild West to life. It’s no surprise that Horizon: An American Saga, directed by Kevin Costner, chose Utah as its primary filming location. The film is an epic tale that spans 15 years and tells the story of the American West’s expansion and the hardships settlers and Indigenous peoples faced during that era. With sweeping cinematography and an all-star cast, Horizon captures the frontier’s raw beauty and unforgiving nature. 

Are you ready to experience these iconic landscapes for yourself? Pack your bags and hit the road as we take you on a journey through the real-life Utah locations where Horizon: An American Saga was filmed. Each stop brings you closer to the heart of the American West, from towering red rock formations to peaceful desert oases.

Start at the Rugged San Rafael Swell

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When discussing his decision to film in the Beehive State, Costner stated, “There’s a lot of heaven in Utah. There are these places that are just almost indescribable.” The San Rafael Swell is perhaps one of those regions he was referencing. Considered an “undiscovered” natural wonder of the American West, the Swell provides a plethora of breathtaking sights, including Goblin Valley and the San Rafael Reef. The San Rafael River carves through steep canyon walls and parts of the Colorado Plateau for otherworldly scenes and diverse geological regions.

On your drive, you’ll glimpse vastly different views from your car window. From sweeping country and massive buttes rising from flat desert landscapes to rolling hills with scatterings of wild horses and antelopes, the San Rafael Swell is a sight to behold. Around bends in the road, you’ll encounter rugged terrain carved by streams flowing through slot canyons, all framed by panoramic views. The arid, challenging terrain of the San Rafael Swell expertly encapsulates the Wild West featured throughout Horizon: An American Saga.

Traverse Through Grand County’s Rivers, Valleys, and National Parks

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From the San Rafael Swell, head east on Highway 128’s Scenic Byway, winding your way toward Lower Onion Creek Campground. Here, vast desert landscapes perfectly embody the rugged beauty of the American West. If you’re up for the adventure, take a rafting trip along the Colorado River where Horizon: An American Saga was filmed. Along the way, you’ll most likely recognize the location where forts were built along the river just outside of Moab.

Take your Grand County trip as far as the Fruit Bowl Area and Professor Valley to recognize the Western-inspired filming locations from Horizon: An American Saga. Southern Utah’s red rock formations and wide open spaces invoke a sense of adventure and wonder reminiscent of classic Westerns, making it the perfect backdrop for epic tales of the American frontier. For extra exploration, hike in Arches National Park or stay at the historic Moab Springs Ranch for a taste of what Kevin Costner might have experienced while filming, surrounded by breathtaking red rock vistas and the timeless beauty of Utah.

Take a Scenic Drive from Castle Valley to La Sal

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After exploring the wonders of Arches National Park and the Colorado River, continue your Wild West road trip along the scenic loop from Southern Utah’s Castle Valley to La Sal. You’ll probably want to stop during the drive to capture the towering La Sal Mountains. Rising over 8,500 feet above the valley, these towering mountains create an awe-inspiring contrast against the desert landscape. Filming crews for Horizon: An American Saga constructed an entire village in the La Sal Mountains, capturing epic footage for this Western adventure. 

While in the area, don’t miss Canyonlands National Park, which features dramatic desert scenery carved by the Colorado River. Parts of Horizon: An American Saga were filmed in this Southern Utah national park, featuring striking red rocks, mesas, and canyons.

Stay at Cave Lakes Canyon Ranch in Kanab & Explore Nearby Apple Valley

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Stay at Kanab’s Cave Lakes Canyon Ranch for a peaceful retreat along your drive. Nestled in a private 1,400-acre canyon, the resort provides a tempting escape from the hustle of life, where you can relax in the quiet and beauty of nature. Countless scenes from Horizon: An American Saga were filmed in this Southern Utah gem, making it a must-visit destination for film enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Explore the stunning landscapes featured on screen, hike through the canyon’s red rock formations, or simply unwind under the vast desert sky. 

After your getaway at the ranch, travel west to Apple Valley, where Horizon: An American Saga’s fictional town of Marigold was constructed nearby. The varied landscapes make it easy to see why this area was chosen as a filming location. From rugged cliffs to sweeping desert plains, the scenery captures the raw beauty and untamed spirit of the American West, bringing the film’s world to life.

End at Washington County’s Sand Hollow & Hike to the Petrified Dunes of Snow Canyon State Park

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Finish your journey with a visit to Washington County’s Sand Hollow, where crystal-clear waters meet vibrant red sand, offering the perfect spot for water sports or relaxing on the shore. Snow Canyon State Park awaits just a short drive away with its stunning petrified dunes and ancient lava flows. This unique landscape also served as a filming location for Horizon: An American Saga, adding to the park’s cinematic allure. Hike the dunes, explore hidden slot canyons, and take in the breathtaking views that make Southern Utah unforgettable.

Film Your Movie in Utah With Avalanche Studios

Let Southern Utah’s stunning backdrop take center stage in your upcoming film—with the expertise of Avalanche Studios. Whether you’re capturing a Wild West movie or an eerie horror flick, Southern Utah has the filming locations to make your dream a reality. And with the help of our video production studio, your filmmaking experience can be seamless from the start. Our award-winning creatives, scriptwriters, and the film crew are here to make your vision come to life.

Avalanche Studios provides comprehensive video production services out of Northern Utah. Renowned film festivals like Sundance have trusted us and have worked on sets of hit shows like HBO’s Westworld and The Last of Us. If you’d like to collaborate with Avalanche Studios’ experienced team of filmmakers, contact us today to receive a quote for your project.