A recent trend in travel has brought super fans to Iceland and New Zealand to experience the breathtaking backdrops for Game of Thrones and Lord of the Rings. HBO's newest big budget sensation Westworld is capturing the beauty of America's very own backyard like never before.
With authenticity paramount in television and film, producers heeded the advice of John Wayne, who famously said that "for the real big-scale outdoor dramas, you have to do it where God put the West.”
Filmed exclusively in Utah, the state's jaw dropping, Mars-like topography is the star of the new show, taking viewers into the heart of the Wild West, the ideal setting to unravel the show's dark odyssey. The Westworld finale aired last week, and the producers left viewers clamoring for more. There will be a second season. But we don't know when. In the meantime, there’s no better time to visit Utah and bring the landscapes of Westworld to life. Revealing the hidden gems of the once untamed area, we've gathered some of the top destinations for visitors to have an authentic Westworld experience in Utah’s backcountry – sans an influx of tourists and paved trails.* * Bonus points for dressing the part.
Shooting Star Saloon
Since 1879, the bar now called the Shooting Star Saloon (formerly Holkin's Bar and Clarence's) has operated in Huntsville, Utah. This spot is as real as it gets, with storied traditions behind the signed dollar bills papering the ceiling, a taxidermied St. Bernard keeping watch, and the Star Burger, made from two ground-beef patties, two slices of cheese with a grilled knackwurst Polish sausage in the middle.
Goblin Valley
Photo: Tom Till More comparable to Mars than anywhere on Earth, Goblin Valley gets its name from the remarkable landscape that is covered with sandstone "goblins." Visitors can camp and rent yurts to sleep among these formations under the stars – the valley boasts an official “Dark Sky” designation, making it one of the best places to see the night sky.
Prospector Trail
Upgrade from the days of covered wagons and rent ATVs to explore the largest uninterrupted trail system in the country. With over 400 miles, the terrain allows access to a diverse span of west desert creeks, lakes and peaks.
Benson Grist Mill, Bolinder Blacksmith Shop, Forsyth Pioneer Cabin
Benson Grist Mill is more than 150 years old and was placed on the National Register of Historic Sites in 1972. The adjacent Blacksmith shop was built in the late 1920s and the Pioneer Cabin dates back to 1872.
Devil's Playground
This relatively unknown geologic site consists of 38-million-year-old granite rock formed from cooling magma. Weathered into incredible forms and shapes, Devil's Playground is a geological adventure that transports you to another time.
Logan Canyon
Winding its way through the Bear River Mountains, Logan Canyon is a haven for uninterrupted rock climbing, hiking, camping, fishing, snowshoeing, and skiing. For an authentic experience, stay at the country's oldest family-owned ski resort, Beaver Mountain, offering guided backcountry tours.
Tyler Wilcox: April 17, 2024
Malcolm Griffiths: April 11, 2024
