Science Fiction in the Intermountain West
The Intermountain West region has long had a connection with cinema, especially that of science fiction. From alien planets to mysterious military bases to the stomping grounds of radioactive monsters, the Intermountain West’s varied landscapes have been used as the backdrop to a multitude of sci-fi hits. Through examining both the sites and films themselves, an understanding can be gleaned as to why each setting was chosen to represent each film’s world.
Close Encounters of the Third Kind and Devils Tower, Wyoming
Devils Tower is a National Monument situated in Wyoming and featured in the climax of the movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
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Starship Troopers and Hell’s Half Acre, Wyoming
Hell’s Half Acre is an escarpment located in Wyoming. It was used to represent the planet Klendathu in the film Starship Troopers.
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2001: A Space Odyssey and Monument Valley, Arizona
Monument Valley is an area of the Colorado Plateau and part of the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. It was used in the filming of 2001: A Space Odyssey.
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Independence Day and Wendover Air Force Base, Utah
Wendover Air Force Base is situated on the Nevada-Utah border. It currently functions as an airport and featured in the film Independence Day.
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Planet of the Apes and Glen Canyon, Arizona
The Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is in the states of Arizona and Utah. Large sections of the region feature in Planet of the Apes, including areas such as Lake Powell.
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