Why Kanab Is Called ‘Little Hollywood’ – 4 Movie Locations Worth Visiting

You wouldn’t expect a town of less than 5,000 people tucked into southern Utah’s red rock country to have a star-studded past—but Kanab isn’t just any small town.

It’s been chased by outlaws, kissed under desert sunsets, blown up by aliens, and rescued by heroes on horseback… all before lunch.

Locals call it “Little Hollywood,” and not as a marketing gimmick. It earned that nickname the old-school way—by showing up in over a hundred films and TV shows across nearly a century.

Westerns, sci-fi flicks, historical dramas, low-budget oddities with cult followings—you name it, the cameras were rolling here.

So what makes Kanab so irresistible to filmmakers? It’s got a look. A light. A whole vibe that doesn’t need a set designer to feel cinematic.

One moment you’re on a dirt road surrounded by rainbow-striped cliffs, and the next you swear you’re walking through a John Wayne movie.

And the best part? Much of it is still there, waiting—not behind glass, but right out in the open, for you to walk, hike, photograph, and low-key geek out over.

Movie Locations You Can Visit in Kanab

You don’t just “see” movie history in Kanab—you walk through it.

Red dirt under your feet, canyon walls rising in the distance, and a sense that you’ve been here before (even if it was just on screen).

Here’s a nice look at the key spots every movie buff should have on their list—plus what to expect, what was filmed there, and why it matters.

Old Paria Townsite (Paria Canyon)

If there’s one place that captures the spirit of Kanab’s Little Hollywood status, it’s Paria. Tucked about 5 miles off Highway 89, the Old Paria Townsite is as rugged and haunting as it is beautiful. And cinematic? Off the charts.

Why It’s Worth the Trip

This location once housed full Western towns built specifically for filming—false fronts, saloons, jailhouses, all crafted by Hollywood crews. Today, the buildings are gone (mostly destroyed by flash floods and time), but the setting remains so surreal and beautiful, it still draws directors, hikers, and curious travelers.

Think rainbow-striped hills, dusty open plains, and the kind of isolation that practically begs for a dramatic monologue.

Notable Films Shot Here

Pro Tips

• Best visited at golden hour—those cliffs glow.
• No restrooms, no shade—plan accordingly.
• Accessible by car, but the dirt road can be sketchy after rain.
• Hike around a bit and you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled into a movie still.

Little Hollywood Movie Museum

Where the movie sets retired (but still loves the spotlight)

Right in the middle of downtown Kanab, this outdoor museum is easy to miss if you’re driving fast—but don’t.

Park the car, wander in, and you’ll find a collection of original movie sets from productions that were filmed all over southern Utah.

We’re talking:

• Rustic wooden saloons
• Weathered cabins
• Faux jailhouses with squeaky hinges
• Props and costumes from past shoots

It’s part museum, part walk-through photo op, and part memory lane for anyone who grew up watching Westerns.

The museum also has an indoor gallery with behind-the-scenes photos, actor headshots, and film posters from Kanab’s glory days.

Set Pieces From

 Quick Details

• Located at 297 W Center Street, Kanab
• Free admission, donations welcome
• Open during daylight hours year-round
• Short and sweet stop—expect 30–60 minutes

Johnson Canyon Movie Set

Biggest Western set this side of Monument Valley (and sadly, off-limits up close)

Drive just 15 minutes east of Kanab and you’ll spot it: a weathered, sun-bleached film set in the middle of nowhere, still clinging to its screen-star status even in retirement.

Most Famous For

What to Know

• Located off Johnson Canyon Road (approx. 10 miles northeast of Kanab)
• Viewing only from a distance—respect the signs and fences
• Still makes for a great photo stop, especially at sunset
• Pair with a scenic drive through the canyon for a full afternoon loop

If you grew up watching Gunsmoke or have a soft spot for classic TV Westerns, this one’s a pilgrimage spot—even if you can’t step inside.

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

@avocado.allison so cute at @Best Friends #utah #animalrescue #animalsanctuary #vegan ♬ original sound – avocadoallison

Rescues, red rock, and low-key movie history

Not your typical filming location, but still part of the cinematic story. The sanctuary—located in Angel Canyon—is the largest no-kill animal refuge in the U.S. and sits in one of the most striking locations you’ll ever see.

Films/Scenes Shot Nearby

Even if you’re not chasing movie history, it’s worth visiting for the views, the vibe, and the chance to hang out with dogs, cats, pigs, horses, and the occasional llama.

Visitor Info

• Tours are available daily (register online)
• Beautiful drives through the canyon on the way in
• Volunteer options if you want a more hands-on visit
• Cafeteria on-site with vegan and vegetarian meals

Hollywood Royalty in Cowboy Boots

Back in its golden era, Kanab wasn’t just a film set—it was a revolving door for A-list legends in denim and dusters. The kind of stars whose names lit up marquees and who still fill film history books today.

Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Barbara Stanwyck, John Wayne, James Garner—they all passed through this small Utah town, leaving more than just footprints in the red sand.

Some stayed in local motels; others went all in and rented homes. They weren’t hiding out or helicoptering in and out—they walked the same streets, ate in the same diners, and made small talk with locals who (mostly) played it cool.

Stories still float around about impromptu poker games in back rooms, bar sing-alongs, and actors showing up unannounced at church or a high school football game.

Kanab’s historic Parry Lodge, which hosted John Wayne, Maureen O’Hara, Roy Rogers, Clint Eastwood and others during filming of westerns in southern Utah. Kanab earned the nickname “Little Hollywood” for all the films shot in the area. pic.twitter.com/Ane2hI9dJu

— Peter Corbett (@PeterCorbett1) August 12, 2023

John Wayne was said to be as big in personality as he was on screen, often shaking hands with fans and tossing back a drink with the crew after a day of riding horses on camera. Barbara Stanwyck reportedly kept to herself more but always showed up ready to work—professional to the bone, no matter how hot it was on set.

Kanab wasn’t just another stop on a film schedule. It became a temporary home for cast and crew, a place where families were brought along, where downtime felt like a retreat rather than a layover. The town made an impression on the stars—and the stars made an impression right back.

And that legacy? Still alive. You feel it when you stroll down Center Street and see murals of cowboy hats and clapperboards, or stop in a coffee shop where someone behind the counter might casually mention that their grandpa worked craft services on The Outlaw Josey Wales.

Final Shot

Kanab isn’t just pretending to be part of film history—it is part of it. Long after the cameras stopped rolling, the town kept the vibe alive. From old-timers who doubled as extras to shops still selling old movie posters, it’s a town that remembers—and honors—its Hollywood roots.

For those looking to enjoy the local flavor, the town also boasts some of the best restaurants in the area, offering everything from hearty meals to local delicacies.

Even now, productions occasionally roll through. Indie films, commercials, and documentaries—still find their way to Kanab. And it’s no surprise. There’s just something about the place that feels timeless, cinematic, and quietly iconic.