Have you ever been watching a movie and thought, “That view can’t be real…”? Turns out, sometimes it is—and you might even be able to hike through it yourself.
From epic desert chases to mysterious forests and winding mountain roads, America’s national parks have quietly starred in some of Hollywood’s most iconic films. These protected landscapes offer something sound stages can’t: scale, authenticity, and the kind of natural beauty that makes movie magic feel real.
In this week’s episode of Pop Culture Passport, we’re taking a cinematic road trip through the national parks (and a few national park-adjacent spots) that have played a role in Star Wars, Indiana Jones, The Shining, Dances with Wolves, and more.
Whether you’re planning a future trip or just love behind-the-scenes stories, here are a few filming locations worth adding to your travel list.
Redwood National & State Parks – California
Featured in: Star Wars: Return of the Jedi
The towering redwoods of Northern California set the scene for one of the most beloved action sequences in sci-fi history—the speeder bike chase through the forest moon of Endor. While the actual filming took place in nearby private forests to avoid permit restrictions, the atmosphere of Redwood National and State Parks provided the original inspiration.
Walking among these 300-foot trees truly feels like stepping into another world… or galaxy.
Death Valley National Park – California & Nevada
Featured in: Star Wars: A New Hope
Tatooine may be a distant desert planet, but a few of its most iconic scenes were filmed right here in Death Valley. The salt flats, sand dunes, and canyons provided a dramatic and otherworldly setting for R2-D2 and C-3PO’s lonely trek.
Look for spots like Golden Canyon and Dante’s View—just bring plenty of water and a healthy respect for the heat. It’s one of the hottest places on Earth!
Glacier National Park – Montana
Featured in: The Shining
Remember the haunting drive to the Overlook Hotel in The Shining? That opening aerial shot of a car winding through isolated mountain roads was filmed on Glacier’s famous Going-to-the-Sun Road.
The route offers jaw-dropping views and hairpin turns, open seasonally depending on snow. In the film, the landscape adds to the growing sense of unease—proving that nature can be just as eerie as it is beautiful.
Monument Valley (Navajo Tribal Park)
Featured in: Stagecoach, The Searchers, Forrest Gump
Though not technically a national park, Monument Valley is one of the most filmed landscapes in America—and a must-visit if you’re a movie fan. Its iconic sandstone buttes have come to define the cinematic American West.
From classic John Ford westerns to Forrest Gump’s famous “I think I’ll go home now” moment on Route 163, Monument Valley is full of instantly recognizable views.
Haleakalā National Park – Maui, Hawaii
Featured in: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
This volcanic, otherworldly park served as a stand-in for South American jungle terrain in Indy’s fourth adventure. Craters, bamboo forests, and summit views above the clouds give Haleakalā an epic, cinematic feel.
Bonus tip: sunrise here is unforgettable—just be sure to dress warm. It gets cold up there!
Arches & Canyonlands National Parks – Utah
Featured in: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
That unforgettable opening sequence of young Indy running through the red rock desert was filmed near Moab, Utah. Arches and Canyonlands provide the perfect natural drama—towering rock formations, narrow canyons, and desert colors that look like a movie set (except they’re real).
These parks have starred in everything from adventure flicks to car commercials, and they still feel wild and remote today.
Badlands National Park – South Dakota
Featured in: Dances with Wolves, Armageddon
The Badlands live up to their name—jagged, colorful, and totally surreal. This landscape helped define the frontier in Dances with Wolves and made a brief appearance in Armageddon’s asteroid-training montage.
Whether you’re into Westerns or end-of-the-world blockbusters, the Badlands bring serious visual punch.
Bonus Spots Worth a Mention
- Yosemite National Park, California – Seen in Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, where Captain Kirk free-climbs El Capitan (because of course he does).
- Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona – Featured in National Lampoon’s Vacation, Thelma & Louise, and more. It’s a visual metaphor as much as a destination.
- Mount Rushmore, South Dakota – Used in North by Northwest and National Treasure: Book of Secrets. It’s hard to beat a carved monument for cinematic drama.
Tips for Visiting Film Locations in National Parks
If you’re planning your own film-inspired trip, here are a few quick tips:
- Check with park rangers or visitor centers to find out if film sites are marked or accessible.
- Always follow Leave No Trace principles—respect the land and stay on marked trails.
- Want that golden-hour movie magic? Visit early in the morning or right before sunset for the best light (and fewer crowds).
Bonus Pop Pick: Thunderbolts* in Utah
If you’re a Marvel fan, keep an eye out for Thunderbolts*, hitting theaters this May. While not filmed in a national park, it was shot in Utah’s red rock country near Moab—just a stone’s throw from Arches and Canyonlands. The dramatic scenery plays a big part in the film’s action-packed chase sequences.
Proof that the desert Southwest still knows how to steal the show.
Standing in a place you’ve only seen on screen adds a new layer of meaning to both the film and the land itself. It’s one of my favorite ways to travel—through story, memory, and the quiet thrill of recognition.
So next time you see Ewoks racing through the trees or Indiana Jones leaping over red rock canyons, remember: those places are real. And they’re waiting for you.
