From the desert to a theme park, Arizona’s Western film history still stands.
Since Hollywood’s Golden Age, Arizona has been the backdrop for many influential Western films. From the likes of John Wayne to Kurt Russel, some truly iconic stars have starred in films set in the state. The Grand Canyon State is the perfect environment for Westerns, and you can still visit some of the filming locations.
A few of the locations are located in the heart of the desert, while one has been turned into a theme park. So if you’re a big fan of film or television Western classics, Arizona is a prime spot to try your hand at being a cowboy for a day.
1. Old Tucson
Old Tucson was established in 1939 for the appropriately named Western, “Arizona,” which starred Jean Arthur and William Holden. While it may not be as popular as a John Wayne feature is today, when it hit theaters in 1940, it was a respected hit. “Arizona” was nominated for two Academy Awards, including one for art direction.
Howard Hawks would also film his iconic Western, “Rio Bravo,” at Old Tucson Studios in the late 1950s. Starring John Wayne, Dean Martin, and Ricky Nelson, the film has become a classic that has stood the test of time.
Have you always wished you were transported into one of these beloved Westerns? Now you can get the authentic experience at Old Tucson! The set has been converted into a theme park where you can bring your family for a day of Western fun. The park features attractions such as a mine tour, gold panning, corn mazes, and live Western-themed entertainment. If you fall in love with the park, you can buy a season pass to visit as often as you’d like.
2. White Stallion Ranch
White Stallion Ranch is a popular Arizona dude ranch, but it also harbors a deep cinematic history.
Located in Tucson, the ranch became a beacon for Western filmmaking in the 1940s. Legendary cowboy on and off the screen, Gene Autry, spent time at White Stallion Ranch filming the movie “The Last Round-Up.” The ranch’s iconic southwestern landscape makes it the perfect background for film. Over 39 film and television shows have been shot at White Stallion Ranch.
If you want to explore the grounds, you’re in luck! White Stallion Ranch is now a resort. You can stay on the property for a traditional desert experience. Unplug from your phone and tap into the wild west instead. You can ride horses, ride E-bikes, throw axes, or watch cowboy-themed entertainment. There is something for every Western fan here!
3. Mescal Movie Set
Are you a fan of the movie “Tombstone” starring Kurt Russell and Val Kilmer? Then a visit to the Mescal Movie Set is in order.
Channel your inner Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp on a tour of the set, where more than 70 iconic Western scenes have been filmed. From “Winchester ‘73” starring Jimmy Stewart to “The Outlaw Josey Wales” with Clint Eastwood, a walk around the filming location will immerse you in your favorite movies. Western TV shows have always been popular, and the Mescal Movie Set was the home of scenes shot for “Bonanza” and “Gunsmoke.”
The movie set offers tours most weekends. The guided tour will take you through the classic haunts of some of your favorite Western films. It features 28 sets with props and backdrops, and of course, a history lesson. It can occasionally be closed for filming, but its website lists the days in advance. To this day, it is a landmark in film production.
The tour is an hour long and can be booked in advance on the Mescal Movie Set website. Tickets start at $20.
4. Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in the state, and John Wayne was a frequent visitor. He filmed multiple movies on-site, including one of his most beloved.
Wayne had mostly acted in low-budget, B-movies before he landed the role in “Stagecoach.” The 1939 film changed the trajectory of his career. He would become the leading man of myriad Westerns following his performance, returning to the park in the late 1940s to film “She Wore a Yellow Ribbon.”
Few locations in the state tell the story of Western film history like Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. This beautiful park is home to some of the most photographed points. The sandstone landmarks make it a special location, and it’s no surprise that filmmakers wanted to use it for their Westerns. Whether you are looking to hike or drive around the park, you can glance at the park that served as the perfect backdrop for film.
5. Sedona
Arizona natives and tourists alike already know Sedona’s beauty; it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations for a reason. However, what you may not know is the town’s film history. Once called “Little Hollywood,” Sedona has served as the backdrop for over 100 movies and TV shows. Of course, John Wayne has made an appearance, filming “Angel and the Birdman” in the late 1940s. Joan Crawford even walked the grounds of Sedona in her movie “Johnny Guitar.“
You can view landscapes from film at various spots around Sedona. The Chapel of the Holy Cross’s landscape has been featured in countless Westerns, along with Crescent Moon Ranch. If you’re looking to learn more about movies made in Sedona, the Sedona History Museum has an exhibit on them.
6. Yuma
Yuma has been the setting of over 30 movies. While it may seem like a small number compared to other sites, some classic Westerns saw the city as their backdrop. John Wayne’s first Western, “The Big Trail,” was made near Yuma. Never heard of it? Well, that might be because it was a massive box office flop. Wayne’s career would be saved in other Arizona locations.
But it’s not just Westerns that have been made in the city. “3:10 to Yuma,” starring Christian Bale and Russell Crowe, took place, fittingly, in Yuma. Looking to bring family or friends on your adventure who aren’t into Westerns? They’ll be excited to learn that “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” featured Yuma’s sand dunes.
Drive around the town to see various landscapes used in film. Yuma leans deeply into its film history. The town features museums that will teach you about its famed past, and its website offers more information about the films made there.
