Where was 127 Hours filmed?

Aron Ralston (James Franco) decides to embark on a solo hike at Utah's Canyonlands National Park without informing anyone — a fateful decision. During his journey, he encounters hikers Kristi (Kate Mara) and Megan (Amber Tamblyn), with whom he shares an underground pool experience before they part ways. Following their departure, Ralston ventures into the confined spaces of Bluejohn Canyon, initiating the chain of events that would lead to his entrapment.

The Homestead Crater, within the Homestead Resort and Spa at Midway, in Wasatch Canyon, approximately 30 miles southeast of Salt Lake City, provided the setting for the scene. It is a remarkable geothermal spring concealed within a 55-foot tall, beehive-shaped limestone formation on the resort's property.

Visiting this unique location does not necessarily require you to get wet. Many guests opt for a self-guided tour of the Crater, appreciating the natural phenomenon's history, geology, and archaeology. For those who wish to immerse themselves fully, however, the resort has constructed a tunnel through the rock wall, providing access to specially designed decks and a soaking area where visitors can enjoy the Crater's crystal-clear mineral water.

Homestead Resort is near Salt Lake City. The most convenient method of transportation is to rent a car and take the I-80 E and US-189/US-40 E routes to reach the destination. The Homestead Crater is available for viewing every hour, on the half-hour. However, reservations are necessary for all crater activities.

One of the most gripping scenes occurs when Aron Ralston (James Franco) slips while climbing and is pinned against the canyon wall by a dislodged boulder. Despite his desperate attempts, he finds the boulder immovable and realizes the stark reality of his solitude. To maintain hope and sanity, he begins documenting his ordeal on his camcorder, chipping away at the boulder with a pocket knife.

This pivotal scene came to life where Halston's harrowing experience unfolded: the narrow Bluejohn Canyon, a tributary of the Horseshoe Canyon within Canyonlands National Park, southwest of Moab in southeast Utah. The canyon's remoteness adds to the intensity of Ralston's predicament. Situated over 30 miles from the nearest paved highway and 60 miles from services, it offers a stark reminder of the isolation and desperation Ralston must have felt.

Visiting this location requires careful planning and preparation. It's essential to have technical canyoneering skills and to carry ample supplies of water, food, and appropriate gear. Cycling is restricted in the park, so visitors should prepare for a challenging trek. However, for those less experienced in canyoneering, professional guides can facilitate a safe and enriching exploration of the canyon.

A private car ride from Denver followed by a guided tour is required. From Denver, take I-70 W, and the journey will take approximately 6 hours.

Over five desperate days, Ralston (James Franco) rations his limited food and 300ml of water, battles frigid night temperatures, and has to drink his urine once his water supply depletes. In a futile attempt to free himself, he even rigged a pulley system with his climbing rope to try and lift the boulder.

Due to the inherent risks and practical challenges associated with filming in the actual slot canyon, the production team ingeniously recreated the canyon floor at an old warehouse at 1050 East 2100 South in the Sugar House district of Salt Lake City. However, this set presented difficulties for the crew due to its inflexibility and challenging access conditions.

Granite Furniture Warehouse is conveniently located near downtown Salt Lake City, just a 10-minute drive or a 45-minute bus ride away. The warehouse is abandoned and not open to the public, but fans interested in embarking on their adventure can start their journey from Salt Lake City. However, they should prepare for a potentially dangerous tour similar to Ralston's ordeal.

After several days, Aron (James Franco) takes a photograph of the boulder that would soon trap him before rappelling down a 65-foot rockface. He discovers some collected rainwater as he descends and, driven by dehydration, drinks the stagnant water to sustain himself.

Some scenes were filmed in the visually stunning Leprechaun Canyon, known for its physically demanding terrain and technical challenges. The canyon is famed for its narrow, dramatic, and dangerous passages, which offer an unrelenting test of one's physical and mental endurance. Despite these challenges, the canyon's sheer beauty and short approach hike make it a captivating location for adventurers and a fitting backdrop for this intense film.

Leprechaun Canyon, part of the group of canyons commonly referred to as the "Irish Canyons," is located on State Road 95, just east of mile marker 28, on the north side of the road. It's approximately 2 miles southeast of the junction with State Road 276 and about 19 miles northwest of the Colorado River bridge on State Road 95.