Arizona Was Home To These Iconic Western Movies

Above, Monument Valley's West and East Mittens. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Living just 40 miles from the New Mexico/Arizona border on Interstate 40 has some great advantages. I can visit places in nearby states where classic westerns were filmed.

The region is best known as Four Corners, wherein four states (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah) meet up.

Over the years, the Four Corners has been home to many movie locations and sets. Monument Valley and Old Tucson come immediately to mind. I have been to both. Monument Valley straddles the Arizona/Utah border.

Above, a familiar hotel and saloon set at Old Tucson Studios. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

AZCentral posted a list of movie sets used in westerns.

They begin with:

From shootouts and saloons to barren desert landscapes and iconic red rocks, Arizona has been home to some of the most memorable scenes in Western films.

Many Old West movies, from "Stagecoach" and "Tombstone" to "The Outlaw," were filmed at locations you can still visit today. Stars from John Wayne and Kurt Russel to Elizabeth Taylor and Frank Sinatra have also graced the Grand Canyon State filming locations.

While some of the sets have been adapted for tourists, other stops remain exactly the same.

So are you in the mood for a walk down memory lane? Here are Western film sets you can visit in Arizona.

To read more, go here. 

Walk The Streets of Western TV History At Old Tucson

Above, an Old Tucson hotel and saloon set. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the places I've always wanted to see was Old Tucson in Arizona.

Old Tucson is a studio near the city of Tucson, Arizona and Saguaro National Park. Hundreds of movies and television westerns were filmed there. Movies included Rio Bravo, El Dorado, McLintock! and others.

I got my chance two years ago when I was in Tombstone, Arizona. From there, I headed to Old Tucson and spend a good part of a day wandering it.

RV Travel has an article on Old Tucson and it begins with:

Growing up, I always wanted a horse. My wish probably stemmed from the popular television shows of the 1950s and ’60s: Westerns.

My sisters and I sat transfixed while watching Roy Rogers, Zorro, The Lone Ranger, and Bonanza. If the same is true for you, it’s time to saddle up! Old Tucson awaits your visit.

What is Old Tucson?

Old Tucson is a time capsule of past Western-themed television shows and movies. Built as a Hollywood set in 1939, it later opened to the public as a Western-themed park.

Columbia Pictures built a replica of 1860s-era Tucson in 1939 for the feature film, Arizona. Construction crews reportedly erected more than 50 buildings for the movie in just a few weeks.

After more movies and TV shows used Old Tucson through the 1940s and 1950s, the site was refurbished and opened as a theme park in 1960.

Over the decades, Hollywood kept coming back. Old Tucson has been a backdrop for hundreds of film and TV productions. Included in this list are movies like Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, Rio Bravo, and El Dorado. Old Tucson also provided the setting for television hits like The High Chaparral and Little House on the Prairie.

To read more, go here. 

"Rio Bravo" Japanese Poster

Yesterday marked 65 years since the release of Rio Bravo (1959) starring John Wayne, Dean Martin, Ricky Nelson, Angie Dickenson and Ward Bond. It was directed by Howard Hawks.

The movie was filmed in Old Tucson, Arizona.

Here is a Japanese poster for the movie's release in Japan:

 

2023 Highlights

Above, at the Crystal Palace Saloon in Tombstone, Arizona
 during the Lost Dutchman Chapter's Spring Clampout.

As we're only days away from 2014, I thought I would take a look back on 2023.

The year wasn't too bad for me personally. Health and general living were fine and dandy, but I do have to keep watch on my blood pressure. My cardiologist says the best thing to do is to keep active and exercise (a lot of walking).

Above, Mitch Geriminsky and I with U.S. Mint Director Ventris
 C. Gibson at the National Money Show in Phoenix, Arizona.

The first quarter's highlight was going to the American Numismatic Association's National Money Show in Phoenix, Arizona. I flew to Phoenix and met Mitch Geriminsky there. I was amazed at how big the city of Phoenix had grown. We had a good time perusing the dealers's displays of coins. We met U.S. Mint Director Ventris C. Gibson at the show. I joined the American Numismatic Association while there. 

The second quarter's highlight was the Spring Clampout of the Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus in Tombstone, Arizona. Over 300 clampers attended. On the way there, I stopped by John Wayne's former ranch, the 26 Bar Ranch in Eagar. It was a nice drive along the eastern third of Arizona. The clampout was enjoyable and I took part in the ritual of the initiation rites. I hadn't been to Tombstone since the late 1980s, so it was nice to be back. The plaque dedication was at Boot Hill Graveyard. 

Above, yours truly at Old Tucson Studios.

After the clampout, I headed to Tucson to pay a visit to Saguaro National Park and Old Tucson Studios. I had never been to either before, so it was a good opportunity to see both.

I attened the Lions Club Rodeo in June.

Above, cousin Maria and Fred stopped by for a quick visit at the Flying J in July.

In August, the Gallup Gun Show returned to Gallup for the first time since before the pandemic. I attended the Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial at Red Rock Park, including its rodeo. 

Above, Ethan Wayne, John Wayne's youngest son, and I with my donation
check to the John Wayne Cancer Foundation near Ridgway, Colorado.

In September, I returned to Ridgway, Colorado for the John Wayne Cancer Foundation "Grit Series" marathons. This time I volunteered to help man a water station for the runners. The weather was a little brisk and my allergies were giving me fits, but I toughed it out. Before leaving after the marathons were over, I handed Ethan Wayne a donation to the cancer foundation. 

Above, Mitch Geriminsky and I with the birthday present
 painting by Asya Lipovetckaia. Photo by Dwight Kuntz.

In October, the annular eclipse's path went directly over my home in Jamestown, New Mexico. I took some photos of it from Barking Spider Acre.

Above, waiting for the annular solar eclipse to start.

Also in October, I attended friend Mitch Geriminsky's 70th birthday party in Lake Havasu. I gave him a commissioned painting by Asya Lipovetckaia, which he and the other attendees loved. While in Lake Havasu, I shot skeet for the first time and enjoyed it. Afterwards, I bought a Remington 870 Express shotgun in Lake Havasu.

Above, yours truly with the new shotgun.

I wasn't done with Lake Havasu. I went back for Christmas with the Geriminskys and did some more skeet shooting with the new shotgun. 

Hopefully, 2024 will also be a good year. 

Saguaro National Park

Above, Saguaro cacti near the visitor center. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I got into Tucson, Arizona after the clampout, I headed to the general area of where Old Tucson Studios were located. The studios open at 10:30, so I had some time to explore as I was a couple of hours early.

Nearby, was the west district (Tucson Mountain District) of Saguaro National Park where a big concentration of saguaro cacti are located. 

Above, Saguaro cacti come in many sizes, heights and shapes. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

From the National Park Service's Saguaro National Park website:

Icon of the Southwest

Tucson, Arizona is home to the nation's largest cacti. The giant saguaro is the universal symbol of the American west. These majestic plants, found only in a small portion of the United States, are protected by Saguaro National Park, to the east and west of the modern city of Tucson. Here you have a chance to see these enormous cacti, silhouetted by the beauty of a magnificent desert sunset.

Above, some blooming desert wildflowers. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Unfortunately, the visitor center wasn't open yet, so I ended up driving around the park on the loop drive. Since it is now springtime, desert wildflowers were blooming.

Above, since the sun was still low in the sky, it made
for some interesting photos. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Visitor entrance fees are paid at the visitor center. Since it wasn't open yet, I couldn't check in. It wouldn't have mattered anyway as I have a Senior Pass for all national parks.

There are no RV campgrounds at this district, but there are some nearby campgrounds a short drive away.

Above, yours truly during my park visit.

For more information, go here.

Old Tucson Studios

Above, a bit weathered is the Old Tucson sign near the entrance. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Following the clampout in Tombstone, Arizona, I headed west to Tucson to pay a visit to Old Tucson Studios. This was my first visit there.

Above, yours truly during the visit at Old Tucson.

It started as a western movie studio and is now a theme park as well as a movie and television studio. One movie was wrapped a week ago and another is set to begin filming there within the next two weeks. Some areas were blocked as they were being readied for filming.

Some set buildings were destroyed by a fire at Old Tucson on April 24, 1995. Some were rebuilt or new buildings were built in their place. Some of the classic sets were not rebuilt.

The Southern Pacific station building was donated to Old Tucson by the railroad some years ago.

I was able to watch a shootout show but missed by minutes a can-can show.

According to Wikipedia:

Old Tucson is an American movie studio and theme park just west of Tucson, Arizona, adjacent to the Tucson Mountains and close to the western portion of Saguaro National Park.

Built in 1939 for the movie Arizona (1940), it has been used for the filming location of many movies and television westerns since then, such as Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957), Rio Bravo (1959), El Dorado (1966), Little House on the Prairie TV series of the 1970s–1980s, the film Three Amigos! (1986) and the popular film Tombstone (1993). It was opened to the public in 1960 as a theme park with historical tours offered about the movies filmed there, along with live cast entertainment featuring stunt shows, shootouts, can-can shows...as well as themed events. It is still a popular filming location used by Hollywood. It was closed permanently during Covid-19 but has recently re-opened under new management in early 2023.

The new management company operating Old Tucson, American Heritage Railways, is the same one that manages the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in Colorado.

The mountain peak in some photos is Golden Gate Mountain and was clearly seen in some movies and television shows.

Some photos:

Today In Tucson

Above, a gunfight show at the Old Tucson town square. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Tombstone, Arizona clampout for the Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus is now history.

Early this morning, I departed Tombstone and headed to Tucson to visit Old Tucson Movie Studio. 

Above, a saguaro cactus at Saguaro National Park West. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since I got there a bit early, I took a driving tour of West Saguaro National Park as it was practically next door to Old Tucson. After I was done with that, I headed over to the Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum. It wasn't open yet, but I decided that their $29.95 admission price was a bit steep. There were no senior discounts.

I went over to Old Tucson and relaxed in their parking lot for about an hour. They open at 10:30. 

I had a good time wandering around the movie sets in Old Tucson. I also took a train ride that circles around the property. The engineer gave good descriptions of different sets and what movies and televions shows they appeared in. This was my first visit there, but it was very familiar. enough so that it seemed like I'd been there before. I watched a gunfight show that was entertaining. I just missed by minutes a dance hall girl show. 

Above, the Beast at Old Tucson Studios with Golden Gate Mountain in the background. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After Old Tucson, I went to an In-N-Out Burger for a late lunch/early dinner. It was nice to have an In-N-Out cheeseburger!

When I finished lunch, went over to the Tucson/Lazydays KOA Resort to spend the night. I will be heading on home tomorrow morning. I'll be taking a more direct route home than the one I took to Willcox and Tombstone on Wednesday.

Above, yours truly at Old Tucson.

I haven't been to Tucson since 1993 when my ex-sister-in-law lived there. I don't remember how to get around town as I did back then. The place has grown in 30 years! 

Above, at the Tucson/Lazydays KOA Resort. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Tucson/Lazydays KOA Resort is big. It is situated next to a Lazydays RV dealership and has everything one would expect to find at a resort: pools, game room, putting green, restaurant and other amenities. 

Tombstone Next Month

Above, Boot Hill graves of those killed at the O.K. Corral. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Next month, the Lost Dutchman Chapter #5917 + 4 of E Clampus Vitus will be holding its Spring Clampout at Tombstone, Arizona. 

I am looking forward to this as I haven't been to Tombstone since the summer of 1988.

Above, Tombstone's Bird Cage Theater in 1988. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We will be encamped in town in a big field within walking distance of the town's historical area.

Tombstone is roughly 426 miles from home, essentially a day's drive. Along the way, depending how early I am able to get on the road, I might cruise by John Wayne's Arizona cattle ranch, the 26 Bar Ranch near Eagar, Arizona. It is now owned by the Hopi Tribe. If I can't make it there while en route to to Tombstone, I'll cruise by on the way home.

Above, the main street of Tombstone in 1988. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After the clampout, I will be heading to Old Tucson. It is about 70 miles from Tombstone and my only opportunity for visiting is on Sunday as it is only open Thursdays through Sundays. I have never been there before. Rio Bravo (1959) and El Dorado (1966) were filmed there.

This should make for a very fun trip!

"Stagecoach" (1939) Filming Locations

Above, the East and West Mittens and Merrick Butte in Monument Valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Stagecoach (1939), directed by John Ford, is one of those seminal movies that has become iconic in American movie history.

It was the movie that made John Wayne a star after he spent most of the 1930s in B movie purgatory. But, those years enabled him to hone his acting skills. 

Stagecoach, as most of us are aware, was the first movie to take advantage of the vistas of Monument Valley. Ford was going to film Stagecoach somewhere else until Harry Goulding of Goulding's Trading Post arrived in Hollywood with a binder of photographs of Monument Valley that convinced Ford to shoot the movie there. 

The Enlightened Mindset website has posted an article by Happy Sharer on filming locations for Stagecoach. I have some doubts over some of them, such as Sedona, Arizona, Durango, Colorado and Old Tucson studios. I have seen the movie many times and I've not seen anything in it that would identify those sites. Perhaps a more learned movie scholar can post a comment below pointing out where in the movie those and other locations appear. Unfortunately, the article does not elaborate where in the movie the sites cited appear.

All in all, the article is a bit of a disappointment, but is worth taking a look. There are few photos with the article and the ones in it are not helpful.

The article begins with:

Introduction

The 1939 classic Western movie Stagecoach is one of the most iconic films of all time. Directed by John Ford, the film features an ensemble cast including John Wayne, Claire Trevor, and Thomas Mitchell, and tells the story of nine strangers who find themselves on a stagecoach ride through dangerous Apache territory. The movie was a commercial and critical success, and it helped launch John Wayne’s career as an action star.

This article explores the historic setting of Stagecoach, taking a look at where the movie was filmed. It will revisit the iconic locations of Stagecoach and uncover the movie’s filming locations. Finally, it will trace the path of Stagecoach’s filming locations from Monument Valley to Durango, and revisit the filming locations of the movie.

To read more, go here. 

Arizona In The Spring

Above, Tombstone in 1988, a view towards the Crystal Palace. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that we're almost in winter (a little over a month away), I am thinking about the first real camping trip of 2023.

Since I am retired, I have the luxury to take my time and wander around to see different places. 

In April, the Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus will be holding its spring clampout in Tombstone, Arizona. I haven't been to Tombstone since 1988. It was a fun place and I am looking forward to seeing it again.

Since I'll be in the area anyway, while en route to the clampout, I will likely take a detour excursion to see John Wayne's 26 Bar Ranch in Eagar, Arizona. It is pretty much along the way.

Following the clampout, I'll head west about 85 miles or so along Interstate 10 from Tombstone to Old Tucson, where many westerns were filmed. It had recently reopened with new owners. I have never been there before, so this will be a real treat.

I'll have to do some research to find what else in the region of Arizona of interest to see.