Arizona in Movies and TV: Famous Filming Locations You Can Visit
Just a short drive north of Flagstaff, the iconic landscape of Oak Creek Canyon offers a stunning backdrop that has graced numerous films and television shows. This scenic river gorge, carved out by Oak Creek, is celebrated for its dramatic red rock cliffs and lush, forested valleys—a sharp contrast to Arizona’s desert image. Hiking the West Fork Trail, a roughly 7-mile round trip meandering alongside the creek, visitors can immerse themselves in the same rugged beauty that has appeared in westerns and adventure films. Cool, shaded conditions make spring and fall the most pleasant seasons to explore here, when the foliage shifts color and the creek flows steadily, adding to the cinematic atmosphere.
Heading south to Tucson, the historic Old Tucson Studios sits just 30 minutes west of downtown. This working film set turned theme park was built in 1939 and has hosted countless classic Western films and TV shows, including “Stagecoach” and episodes of “The Lone Ranger.” Visitors can wander through preserved streets and buildings that replicate the Old West, watch live stunt shows, and even ride a steam train through the dusty streets. The charm of Old Tucson lies in its authenticity as a filming location and its ongoing connection to Hollywood history. Spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures for exploring this dusty frontier town, while summer can be hot but often features lively events.
Further west, near the town of Yuma, the Fortuna Foothills area features the striking desert vistas where parts of “3:10 to Yuma” were shot. About 10 miles east of Yuma proper, these arid landscapes provide a quintessential Wild West feel, with sprawling saguaro cacti and expansive horizons under blue skies. The nearby Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park adds to the film pilgrim’s experience, offering insights into the Old West’s law enforcement and justice system. Touring the prison’s cells and grounds connects visitors to the gritty reality behind many Western storylines. The cooler months from November through March are best for exploring this low-elevation desert area to avoid the intense summer heat.
In the Phoenix metropolitan area, Papago Park offers a unique blend of desert beauty and film history just minutes from downtown. The park’s famous sandstone buttes and holes have appeared in television shows like “Alice” and films such as “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure.” The Hole-in-the-Rock formation is particularly popular for its easy hike and panoramic view of the city skyline against a desert backdrop. A walk up this natural amphitheater is short but rewarding, making it perfect for families and casual hikers. Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for visits, as the soft light enhances the red rock tones and provides excellent photo opportunities.
Near Sedona, the red rocks of Slide Rock State Park, about 30 minutes north, have featured in commercials and films that showcase Arizona’s rugged wilderness. This park is famous for its natural water slide along Oak Creek, where visitors can splash down smooth red sandstone rocks into refreshing pools. Hiking along the West Fork Trail here reveals lush riparian zones framed by towering cliffs, a striking contrast to the surrounding desert. The park’s combination of water-based fun and striking geology offers a unique filming environment rarely duplicated elsewhere in the state. Spring and early summer are perfect for enjoying the water, though early fall’s cooler temps also make hiking pleasant.
Further north, at Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, straddling the Arizona-Utah border but accessible from Kayenta, Arizona (about 2.5 hours northeast of Flagstaff), visitors can explore the iconic buttes and mesas immortalized by countless John Ford Westerns, including “Stagecoach” and “The Searchers.” Monument Valley’s vast, red sandstone formations rise sharply from the desert floor, creating one of the most recognizable landscapes in American film. Guided jeep tours led by Navajo guides offer intimate access to filming sites and cultural insights. Sunrise and sunset transform the valley, casting long shadows and deepening reds, making these times especially magical for visitors and photographers alike.
Finally, the town of Jerome, perched on Cleopatra Hill roughly 100 miles north of Phoenix, offers a different kind of cinematic ambiance. This former mining town turned artist’s enclave has appeared in independent films and television dramas thanks to its preserved historic architecture and eerie, ghost-town atmosphere. Exploring the Jerome State Historic Park and the old Douglas Mansion reveals the town’s boom-and-bust past, which filmmakers find compelling. The narrow, winding streets and panoramic views of the Verde Valley below add to the town’s allure. Mild temperatures in spring and fall make wandering Jerome’s hills comfortable, while its quirky shops and galleries offer a creative respite.
Each of these places presents a living film set where visitors can step directly into the scenes they’ve admired on screen. From the rugged canyons near Flagstaff to the dusty streets of Old Tucson, Arizona’s diverse geography and rich history have made it a natural stage for storytelling. Whether chasing the shadows of classic Westerns or reliving moments from modern TV dramas, travelers will find that the state’s cinematic legacy is as vast and varied as its landscapes.