The Movie Studio that Arose from Desert

During the early days of western film making there were certain areas in the western U.S. that the movie studios chose to shoot their movies. This was the time when movie producers decided to shoot westerns on location as opposed to only on sound stages.

One popular area chosen was just north of the city of Los Angeles in the San Fernando Valley. At that time they would pay a rancher a fee for use of ranch land. This was the catalyst for what we call “movie ranches” to pop up. Today that area north of L.A. is covered with suburban neighborhoods.

The $2.5 million film, starring William Holden and Jean Arthur is why the studios are there today.

Interestingly enough, the movie site just west of Tucson was unused for several years when the “Arizona” filming wrapped up. The next filming was not until 1945 when “The Bells of St. Mary’s” with Bing Crosby was filmed there. A Gene Autry movie was shot there in 1947 and activity thereafter picked up substantially. Going into the 1950’s, the western genre took off and several well known western movies and television shows used the Tucson Studios.

Revisit the History of Western Movie Making at the Old Tuscon Studios

The Old Tucson Studios located just west of the city is one of the best travel stops you’ll find in the entire state. Arizona is filled with great travel attractions and plenty of history and the Old Tucson Studios is one of them.

The Old Tucson Studios was the location for many a western movie during the heyday of the westerns. Think of some of the more popular western movies and television series of the era and chances are a great many were filmed at, or shot in part at the Old Tucson Studios. In all, there have been some 400 films and commercial productions shot at the Old Tucson Studios. The studios are authentic and fascinating and remain the regions premiere film location. The theme park offers lots of history to be shared about the west. Movies were filmed here with starts like John Wayne, Gary Cooper, William Holden and Ronald Reagan just to name a few.

Exhibitions and Shows

Today, the venue features authentic old western buildings that were used during the filming of some of your favorite westerns. You may very well recognize the old mission which was used in the movie “Tombstone”. In addition, there are exhibitions and shows put on which makes your visit even more fun. There are shows about every half hour or so plus three reenactment gunfights per day. During these reenactments you’ll even pick up some film making secrets. You might get answers to questions that start off.. “How did they do that?”. Great fun for the entire family.

You could spend the entire day at the Old Tucson Studios. A list of events, times and a map are given to you when you purchase your admission ticket. This venue attracts tourists all throughout the year. The Tucson Studios might also give you a glimpse of what Tucson would have been like during the latter 1800’s.

The Old Tucson Studios is located West of Tucson. Take I-10 East, exit on Speedway Boulevard and head West. Just keep going, it’s a long way. You will cross Gate’s Pass and come down out of the mountains. Turn South on Kinney Road and follow the signs. Address is 201 S. Kinney Rd, Tucson, Arizona. Hours are 10A-4P but call before you go to confirm…520-883-0100

One key fact visitors to Saguaro National Park in Tucson, Arizona should know is that this magnificent park is divided into two districts. The Rincon Mountain District is located to the East of Tucson and the Tucson Mountain District is located to the West of Tucson. The park is located in Pima County in southeastern Arizona.

If you want to enjoy the tranquil Sonoran desert landscape and capture some one of a kind photos, Saguaro National Park with it’s 150 square miles of mountains and desert scrub is a must stop.

West Saguaro National Park is a great drive with a few small trails to explore. We recommend that you do want to stop at the visitor center because you’ll learn quite a lot about the park, the cacti you’ll see close up and view maps of the various walking trails available. For those that want to simply drive and admire the thousands of cacti, you can simply drive through the west district free of charge.

The park’s official history goes back to 1933 when the Saguaro National Monument was created. The western section of the park was recognized in 1937. The entire area (both sections) was named a national park in 1974.

Large Variety of Cactus

Visitors to Saguaro National Park will see familiar cactus varieties such as the saguaro, barrel and prickly pear. What you may not have realized the park is home to 25 less-common species including the Bisbee beehive cactus, the rainbow cactus and the exotic night-blooming cereus. The desert and terrain at the park provide the perfect environment for these species to thrive.

The sagauro, which grow slowly from seed, never from cuttings like the prickly pear. is supported by a ribbed woody like skeleton. There are other cactus varieties that also leave behind skeletons. The skeleton expands and allows the cactus to hold moisture which of course is critical to it’s survival. Native Americans used the saguaro ‘ribs’ to build roofs and walls. They also consumed the fruit of the cactus. They achieved this by using large poles to knock the fruit off the cactus.

As a side note, the cacti in Arizona are very special and they represent the state of Arizona in many ways. In fact it is a symbol of the west. Because of this, it’s against the law in Arizona to harm a saguaro cactus. If you own land in the state, landowners need a special permit for any construction that will affect a living plant.

The Saguaro and Wildlife

The saguaro cactus is important to many species of wildlife. There are literally dozens of animal species that depend on the saguaro and for many reasons. Some wildlife such as insects, birds and mammals dine on it’s fruits and flowers. Other animals such as bobcats make homes in the cacti’s arms. You will also notice with mature plants that woodpeckers and others carve out the cacti’s arms to build nests in.

See additional Trips Into History articles found on the links below..

Spectacular Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah

Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado

As mentioned above, the drives through both sections of Saguaro National Park are scenic. The roads are open from 7A to sunset. The drive in Saguaro National Park East is a paved eight mile one way loop and the drive in Saguaro National Park West has several routes.’

When we first visited Saguaro National Park our first impression was that this park is unique indeed. We think you’ll also have the same impression during your first visit. Picturesque photo opportunities are almost endless due to not only the cacti but also to the scenic mountains and desert landscape.

Reference material for this article includes…The National Park Service..Desert Giant : The World of the Saguaro Cactus by Barbara Bash…Cacti and Succulents Handbook by Gideon F. Smith.

(Article and photos copyright Trips Into History)

See More Photos Below..

TRIPS INTO HISTORY

The Wild West is Alive at the Old Tucson Studios

A Saguaro National Park Adventure / Tucson, Arizona