Utah has long been a favorite backdrop for filmmakers, thanks to its dramatic, diverse landscapes that can double for everything from the Wild West to distant planets. Iconic films like Forrest Gump, Thelma & Louise, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and Transformers: Age of Extinction have all used Utah’s scenery to bring their stories to life. With its film-friendly infrastructure, wide range of locations, and reliable production support, the state has quietly played a major role in shaping some of Hollywood’s most memorable moments.
So when the hit series Yellowstone needed expansive ranchland, rugged terrain, and cinematic views, Utah was a natural choice—especially in its early seasons.
Is Yellowstone Filmed in Utah?
Yes, but only the first three seasons were filmed in Utah. The show is now filmed primarily in Montana, starting with Season 4. About 70–75% of the first three seasons were shot in and around Park City, Utah, and the series spent roughly $80 million in the state during production of its first 30 episodes. However, Utah’s $8.29 million annual cap on film and television incentives meant the Utah Film Commission couldn’t match the larger rebate offered by Montana for Season 4.
As a result, production relocated to Montana, bringing the story closer to its in-universe setting and shifting the show’s visual identity from Utah’s red rock and high desert landscapes to Montana’s lush valleys, rivers, and mountain ranges.
Where in Utah Was Yellowstone Filmed? The Locations Behind Seasons 1–3
If you’re wondering exactly where Yellowstone was filmed in Utah, here’s a breakdown of the key locations featured throughout Seasons 1–3:
Ogden
Ogden was one of the many Utah filming locations for Yellowstone, perfectly capturing the show’s Western spirit. Wandering down 25th Street, you’ll recognize the cafes, galleries, and restaurants used as backdrops in the show.
If you want an in-depth experience of the series, visit these places in Ogden:
- Pioneer Stadium was used for a few of the intense rodeo shots in Yellowstone.
- 2505 Lincoln Avenue served as the Schwartz & Meyer bank where Beth Dutton works in the early seasons—and it’s the site of an explosion in the Season 3 finale.
- Outlaw Saloon is a real, historical country music bar in Ogden that served as the show’s bar in seasons 1–3. Beth Dutton frequents the saloon for a drink, and it’s even the spot where the infamous Season 1 bar fight was shot.
Spanish Fork
An hour south of Ogden is the small, charming town of Spanish Fork, which the Yellowstone crew also used for filming.
- Spanish Fork Fairgrounds were used for the rodeo scenes in Yellowstone, capturing the grit and unrelenting cowboy spirit of the series.
Park City
Yellowstone was filmed throughout Park City, Utah, a mountain town known for its beauty and rural atmosphere.
- Nicklaus Clubhouse served as Dan Jenkins’ luxurious lodge at Promontory Point in Park City.
- Utah Film Studios in Park City was used for its 3 soundstages and several interior scenes, including the bunkhouse, governor’s office, and the ranch lodge.
Additional Utah Filming Locations
Yellowstone was also filmed in other Utah cities, including Oakley, Heber City, Kamas, Grantsville, and Logan. These locations contributed to the wild-west backdrops of rugged wilderness, rolling hills, and rustic farmland.
Where is Yellowstone Filmed Now? Season 4 & Beyond
Now that Yellowstone has left Utah, its primary filming location is Montana. Primary filming locations include:
- Chief Joseph Ranch stands in as the iconic Yellowstone Dutton Ranch. It’s a historic family-owned working guest ranch in Montana’s Bitterroot Valley.
- Missoula was used for several key moments in the show. Ryman Street and Ruby’s Cafe serve as the backdrop for an intense shootout scene, and Beth Dutton meets Carter outside a hospital, which is actually the Missoula Community Medical Center. The same medical center was used for the hospital where John Dutton recovered from being shot in the finale of season 3. Several other spaces in Missoula, such as the Missoula County Courthouse, Glen’s Cafe, and Gray Wolf Peak Casino just outside the city, were also used in the series.
- Hamilton, located in the Bitterroot Valley, is frequently used for exterior shots that capture the rugged, small-town feel of the region. It’s also home to the governor’s residence at the Daly Mansion, which is open to public visitors.
- Helena, the state capital, serves as the political center of the Yellowstone universe. Many government-related scenes are filmed here, including those involving the Montana State Capitol and legal or legislative storylines tied to the Dutton family’s land and power struggles.
Even though Yellowstone isn’t filmed in Utah anymore, the state’s dramatic landscapes played a huge role in shaping the show’s early identity—and many of those iconic scenes still come from its red rock deserts, sweeping valleys, and rugged backcountry.
Film Your Own Show or Movie in Utah With Avalanche Studios
In many ways, Yellowstone proves just how powerful a setting can be in storytelling—and Utah was a key part of that foundation. So if the show’s cinematic landscapes inspire you, there’s no better place to start than right here, with a team that knows how to capture it.
Whether you’re creating a commercial, documentary film, or full-scale production, Avalanche Studios is a full-service video production company based in Utah. From location scouting and permitting to filming and post-production, our team helps bring your vision to life. Request a quote from us to get started on your project!