Film Permits in Moab, Utah: A No-Nonsense Guide

Mar 14

Moab is hands down one of the most epic places to film. The red rock landscapes, winding canyons, and wide-open desert make it a dream location for everything from high-budget productions to small independent shoots. But before you start rolling, you’ll need to get the right permits—and trust me, that can be a headache if you don’t know where to start. This guide breaks it down so you know exactly who to contact, how long it takes, and what to expect. And if you want to skip the hassle? Desert Trip Productions can handle it all, from permits to full-scale production and post.

Do You Actually Need a Permit to Film in Moab?

Short answer: yes, probably. If you’re filming anything beyond personal footage (meaning commercial, branded content, or any kind of crewed production), you’ll need a permit for most locations. Moab has a mix of public lands, national parks, state parks, and city areas—each with different rules.

Who Issues Film Permits in Moab?

Here’s the breakdown of the agencies you might need to deal with:

1. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) - Moab Field Office

Best for: Open desert, spots like Sand Flats, Fisher Towers, Kane Creek.
Contact: Moab BLM Film Permits | (435) 259-2100
Processing Time: 2–4 weeks (longer for big productions).
Fees: Based on crew size and location.

2. Utah Film Commission

Best for: State-managed lands, tax incentives.
Contact: Utah Film Commission | (801) 538-8740
Bonus: Utah offers tax credits for qualifying productions.

3. National Park Service (NPS) - Arches & Canyonlands

Best for: Filming in Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, or Dead Horse Point.
Contact: NPS Film Permits | (435) 719-2100
Processing Time: At least 4 weeks.
Heads Up: Drones are not allowed in national parks.

4. Grand County & City of Moab

Best for: Roads, in-town locations.
Contact: Moab City Film Office | (435) 259-5121
Important: If you need road closures, you’ll need sheriff approval.

5. Utah State Parks

Best for: Dead Horse Point, state-managed scenic spots.
Contact: Utah State Parks Film Permits | (435) 259-2614

Common Filming Challenges (and How to Avoid Them)

Permit Processing Time: Some permits take weeks to approve, so plan ahead.
Leave No Trace Rules: Moab enforces strict environmental guidelines.
Drone Restrictions: You can’t fly in national parks, but some BLM areas allow it with approval.
Road Closures: If you need to block off a road, you’ll need extra permits and sheriff coordination.

Why Work with Desert Trip Productions?

Getting permits in Moab is just one part of making your production happen. Desert Trip Productions is a full-service film and video company that can handle everything from scouting and permits to full-scale production and post. Since we have an office in Moab, we know the process inside and out and can cut through the red tape faster than most out-of-town crews.

What We Offer:

On-the-Ground Coordination – We handle all logistics, so you don’t have to.
Production Support – Crew, gear, and safety rigging for extreme shoots.
Aerial & Drone Video – We’re FAA Part 107 certified and know where you can legally fly.
Creative & Post-Production – Editing, motion graphics, and color grading to bring it all together.

Let’s Make It Happen

If you’re filming in Moab, let’s talk. We can help with everything from permits to post-production, making sure your shoot runs smooth and stress-free. Get in touch with Desert Trip Productions to get started.

Final Thoughts

Moab is an unreal place to film, but getting the right permits is key to avoiding fines and delays. Whether you’re a seasoned filmmaker or rolling into town for your first desert shoot, working with a local production partner like Desert Trip Productions can save you time, money, and headaches. Let’s bring your vision to life in Utah’s adventure capital.

Max Haimowitz