Where was Jeremiah Johnson filmed?
1972
City Locations
Sundance, Utah
Location Types
House, Cabins, Rustic
Location Styles
Cabin, Craftsman, Dilapidated/Neglected, Lake House, Mountain Huts, Rustic
About Jeremiah Johnson
Jeremiah Johnson is a 1972 Western movie directed by Sydney Pollack, featuring Robert Redford as the protagonist. The cast includes Will Geer, Josh Albee, and Delle Bolton. Critics positively reviewed the film upon release. The storyline follows Robert Redford's character as he ventures into the wilderness to escape from civilization, which predates a similar storyline in Dances with Wolves starring Kevin Costner.
The movie is about Johnson, who becomes a mountain man in Colorado to escape society's rules. He learns survival skills from Bear Claw (Will Geer), trades with the Crow tribe, takes in an orphaned boy (Josh Albee), and marries the daughter (Delle Bolton) of a Flathead chief to prevent conflict. However, his life is disrupted when the US cavalry arrives, and he must lead them through a Crow burial ground to rescue white settlers.
The movie was filmed in Utah, using a script by John Milius and Edward Anhalt. It was submitted to the 1972 Cannes Film Festival. The movie was reviewed positively by many critics. According to seven critic reviews on Metacritic, it has a score of 75%. According to Charles Champlin's review in the Los Angeles Times, the film is exceptionally authentic and immerses viewers in the depicted way of life. For instance, the film clarifies that starting a fire with flint and steel is challenging and frustrating. Similarly, hunting and fishing come across as exasperating, and the portrayal of snow accurately conveys its brutal coldness, resulting in hands that are numbed and purple.
Jeremiah Johnson Locations
A trip to the wilds of Utah is worthwhile for any fan of Jeremiah Johnson. Many scenes were filmed in some of the most iconic locations in Utah's wilderness, such as Ashley National Forest, Zion National Park, Alpine Loop and Mt. Timpanogos, Leeds, Sundance, Snow Canyon, St. George, Uinta National Forest, and Wasatch-Cache National Forest. With a unique landscape of canyons, mesas, and plateaus, these locations provide a breathtaking backdrop for the movie’s Western setting.
Most scenes from Jeremiah Johnson were shot on location in Zion National Park and Wasatch-Cache National Forest, with additional scenes filmed at various sites around Utah, such as Snow Canyon and Ashley National Forest. According to Pollack, the crew had a difficult time filming in the snowy conditions of St. George in southern Utah. They had to rely on Cinemobiles as a means of support.
Due to the harsh weather and limited budget, the crew had to settle for using their initial takes for filming. To capture authentic snow-covered landscapes during winter, Mountain High Production Company used back roads to access remote areas where human traffic or vehicle tracks had not disturbed the snow. The result was an amazingly realistic portrayal of life on the American frontier that still resonates with viewers today.
Visiting the featured locations in Jeremiah Johnson 1972 is an experience that no true fan should miss. A trip through Utah's rugged terrain puts viewers into the setting of one of Hollywood's greatest westerns while offering an appreciation for how far technology has advanced in capturing iconic film moments since 1972.
Jeremiah takes up the mountain life scene in Jeremiah Johnson
Zion National Park, Utah, USA
The opening scene captures a typical trading post of the Rocky Mountains bustling with activity. The ex-soldier Jeremiah Johnson is seen outfitting himself with the necessary supplies and tools he needs to survive as a mountain man. The atmosphere is the camaraderie between Native Americans, trappers, traders, and other travelers. The setting is breathtaking, with Zion National Park in southern Utah providing the backdrop for this iconic film.
The park's striking sandstone cliffs and forest trails along the Virgin River give it an almost surreal feel that is perfect for adding authenticity to the movie. Viewers can't help but be captivated by its majestic hanging gardens and waterfalls in the background while they follow Jeremiah Johnson's journey toward becoming a successful mountain man.
Situated near Springdale, Utah, Zion National Park can be reached via several routes. From Salt Lake City or Las Vegas, you can take I-15 S and then take Highway 9 into Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, leading you directly to the park entrance.
Bear Claw teaches Jeremiah scenes in Jeremiah Johnson
Mt Timpanogos and Alpine Loop, Utah 84604, USA
The mountain scenes in the movie Jeremiah Johnson are memorable and iconic. In this scene, Bear Claw teaches Johnson mountain survival skills while they are surrounded by Crow Indians. The scene was filmed in Alpine Loop and Mt Timpanogos, Utah, and highlights the stunning beauty of the American mountain range.
The area is known for being one of the most popular places for hiking or camping in all of Utah, with its wide range of trails that lead to incredible viewpoints with breathtaking scenery. The incomparable beauty of this location makes it a prime destination for tourists to come and enjoy nature's wonders. The road in this scene was described as "narrow and scenic". It was framed beautifully, showing off all of its natural beauty. Filming there was extremely challenging due to unfavorable weather conditions, including colds and fevers for some of the production members.
If you're interested in visiting Mt Timpanogos and Alpine Loop from Salt Lake City, it's relatively easy access through a scenic drive that takes about one-and-a-half hours. You can get there via I-15 S and UT-92 E.
Jeremiah's cabin scene in Jeremiah Johnson
Uinta National Forest, Springville, UT 84663, USA
The scene of Jeremiah Johnson's cabin in the 1972 movie captures the beauty of nature and emphasizes the peacefulness of living off the land. Jeremiah's cabin is set near a mountain stream, towering evergreens, and snow-capped mountains in the background, creating an idyllic backdrop for his new life. The natural setting draws viewers into his struggles with his mute stepson and his inability to communicate with his wife. Before Johnson goes hunting for buffalo, he and his new family construct a cabin next to a mountain stream. Later, upon Johnson's return, a cavalry group shows up at the cabin searching for a guide to lead them through the mountains.
The location chosen to film this pivotal scene was Uinta National Forest in central Utah. The area is renowned for its pristine forests, crystal-clear rivers, and incredible views of the Wasatch Mountains. It provides a perfect destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, and camping.
To get to Uinta National Forest, you can drive about 75 miles southeast of Salt Lake City along Interstate I-15 S. From here you can explore various trails around Uinta National Park or visit one of its many campgrounds to stay overnight and enjoy all this stunning landscape offers.
Flathead chief honors Johnson by giving his daughter scene in Jeremiah Johnson
Sundance Resort - State Highway 92, Sundance, Utah, USA
Impressed by Johnson's warrior skills, the Flathead chief gives Johnson his daughter as a bride. Del Gue (Stefan Gierash) parts ways with Johnson, and Johnson takes his new family more profoundly into the wilderness.
The scenes where Jeremiah and his new family start life in the mountains were filmed in Sundance. The scenic view of the untamed wilderness displays snow-capped mountains, lush green forests, and cclear streams as a stunning backdrop that augments the emotions conveyed by this sequence.
Robert Redford bought the Timp Haven ski resort and renamed it Sundance after his role in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid." The resort has stunning views of mountain peaks, alpine meadows, and nature scenery. It's also excellent for skiing and outdoor activities like mountain biking, fishing, and hiking. Sundance is located in Utah's Wasatch Mountains.
If you want to experience this incredible location, it is an easy drive from Salt Lake City or Provo. Several flights from major cities such as Los Angeles or Denver to Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) are also available.
Final scene in Jeremiah Johnson
Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Utah 84018, USA
In this scene, Johnson and Paints-His-Shirt-Red (Joaquín Martínez) resolve their conflict and share a peaceful moment while sitting on their horses some distance apart. Initially, Johnson reaches for his rifle, but Paints-His-Shirt-Red raises his arm with an open palm to signal peace, which Johnson eventually reciprocates, ending the conflict.
The Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest covers 2.2 million acres of stunning scenery. Although it’s peaceful and lush green like other places, the filmmakers originally planned to shoot the ending sequences elsewhere. However, when they stumbled upon this park, they were captivated by its beauty. Visitors can appreciate these gorgeous surroundings too, and there are plenty of camping spots within the forest for those looking to stay longer periods in this delightful place.
To reach Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest from Salt Lake City, take I-80 E. Total driving time will vary substantially depending on which area of the forest you want to explore.
Conclusion
Jeremiah Johnson is a classic Western with an enthralling story of survival and perseverance. Robert Redford stars in the title role as Jeremiah Johnson, a veteran who seeks to find peace in the wilds of the Rocky Mountains and escape his past life. The movie follows his journey as he learns to live off the land, finds love and companionship despite tragedy, and ultimately finds acceptance among some Native American tribes. The actor’s performance was exceptional, portraying Johnson’s character arc from a solitary figure to a man who eventually embraces his roles within both societies. The script is excellent, the pacing is great, and the cinematography showcases some stunning shots of the Rocky Mountains.
Given its captivating narrative, stunning visuals, and thought-provoking themes, Jeremiah Johnson is worth watching if you are looking for an inspiring story with relatable characters set against a beautiful backdrop.