Where Was Tombstone Filmed? Every Real-Life Location Revealed

The film “Tombstone,” renowned for its breathtaking landscapes depicting the Old West and its raw portrayal of life there, was primarily filmed in Arizona, not far from the real town it’s named after. Although no key movie moments were captured within the city itself due to an influx of tourists, the essence of the location permeates throughout every frame in the film. This is quite impressive, given that several directorial issues led to star Kurt Russell assuming control as the film’s director.

The western drama “Tombstone” was brought to life using a total of six distinct locations, including two studios and their backlots. These settings provided an authentic and commanding depiction of local color. Can you tell me where this film was shot? Approximately how much of the movie unfolded on the studio backlots as compared to the wild landscapes of Arizona? Below is a comprehensive list of each set and location featured in the movie:

1. Studio 1 Backlot (Studio A) – Tombstone Town Square and various streets
2. Studio 1 Wildlife Area (Studio B) – The surrounding desert landscape and hills
3. Studio 2 Backlot – Boothill Cemetery, Bird Cage Theatre, and other buildings
4. Location 1 – Tucson, Arizona – Stand-in for parts of Tombstone
5. Location 2 – Sonoita, Arizona – Additional scenes in the wilderness
6. Location 3 – Dragoon Mountains, Arizona – Scenes of the mountain range near Tombstone

Mescal Movie Set in Benson, Arizona

Most of the movie was shot at the Mescal Movie Set in Benson, Arizona, situated within Cochise County, which includes the actual Tombstone. The team chose not to film in real-life Tombstone because their budget didn’t permit them to remove modern elements from its downtown area. Fortunately, Mescal was constructed to resemble a traditional Western town with saloons and casinos, allowing actors free access. However, the interior scenes were filmed elsewhere.

Besides “Tombstone,” Mescal has served as the backdrop for numerous Western films such as Sam Raimi’s “The Quick and the Dead,” “The Outlaw Josey Wales,” “The Big Country,” and “Cimarron.” This location has been a filming site since the 1950s. When it isn’t being used for shoots, movie enthusiasts can even take guided tours here, offering an exciting way to experience a showdown without risking getting shot yourself. Interestingly, although Mescal perfectly fit the requirements of “Tombstone,” the production team still built or modified over 80 structures to create an authentic Old West atmosphere for the film.

Coronado National Forest and Sabino Canyon

Apart from a few exceptions, the majority of exterior scenes for “Tombstone” were captured in Sabino Canyon, which belongs to the Coronado National Forest. This forest stretches across parts of Arizona and New Mexico and is accessible to the public. The iconic showdown between Wyatt Earp (Kurt Russell) and his group against the outlaw gang called the Cowboys, as well as many other scenes not requiring Western backdrops from Mescal, were filmed here.

Just like any public park, Coronado National Forest offers opportunities for hiking, walking, biking, and rock climbing to visitors who secure a day pass. There are numerous guided tours available that showcase a variety of native plants, animals, and geological wonders. Although it may not resemble a classic Western gunfight, you’re sure to create lasting memories filled with the untouched splendor of nature.

Old Tucson Studios

In “Tombstone,” the outdoor sequences were filmed in several distinct locations, but all the indoor scenes were exclusively shot at one place: Old Tucson Studios in Tucson, Arizona. This studio was responsible for filming every indoor scene, including interiors of houses and businesses as well as grand establishments like the Bird Cage Theater. Additionally, they handled any shots featuring Tombstone’s railway because Old Tucson has its own train depot.

Although the sets constructed for “Tombstone” no longer stand and aren’t viewable here, this location remains open for tours. Old Tucson offers attractions such as children’s rides, staged gunfights, train and stagecoach rides, and a museum that honors its past as a filming location. You can witness costumes, props, and posters from numerous movies filmed on the premises, including “Hombre,” “Young Guns,” and indeed, “Tombstone.

Babacomari Ranch

Established since 1935, Babacomari Ranch in Elgin, Arizona offers a glimpse into the past, serving as a backdrop for the famous gunfight between Johnny Ringo (Michael Biehn) and Doc Holliday (Val Kilmer). Additionally, exterior scenes of Henry Hooker’s (Charlton Heston) ranch were filmed in this scenic locale, characterized by trees and a flowing stream. The peaceful surroundings, however, conceal the brutal events that transpire on its verdant hills. Perhaps it’s this juxtaposition of tranquility and turmoil that led some film extras to camp there, immersing themselves in the environment to prepare for their roles and endure a short period of rugged living.

The sprawling Babacomari Ranch, encompassing 28,000 acres in Arizona, is the largest privately-held piece of unbroken land. Its diverse landscape – from mountains to deserts, forests, and more – makes it an ideal location for filmmaking as it offers a multitude of settings on a fixed budget for directors. Unfortunately, Tombstone enthusiasts can’t tour the property, but they can organize events or even weddings within its boundaries.

Mount Lemmon

Although the landscape at Coronado National Forest offered most of what was necessary for the production, they needed a more mountainous location specifically for one scene – a playful and thrilling steeplechase between Wyatt Earp and the spirited, defiant character Josephine Marcus, portrayed by Dana Delany.

Sharing a bond-strengthening experience, the duo sprints across the undulating landscapes of Tombstone side by side, navigating paths that could easily bewilder any ordinary individual. Remarkably, they emerge with radiant smiles on their faces. Their lively discussion about their unique perspectives on what paradise might be for each of them undeniably stirs up sympathy for the couple, despite Earp’s existing marriage to another woman.

The stunning hills and dales you see originate from Mount Lemmon and its vicinity, located within Tucson and belonging to the Santa Catalina Mountain range. Guests are cordially invited to explore various activities such as mountain biking, rock climbing, birdwatching, and fishing amidst the rocks, vegetation, and trees. Additionally, guests may traverse the trails on horseback, assuming conditions are favorable for riding.

Douglas Dry Lake

In the movie “Tombstone,” Douglas Dry Lake makes a brief appearance but plays a significant role, symbolizing the intense desert heat, the barrenness of the landscape, and the deep blue sky reminiscent of denim. As the Cowboys gallop towards on their horses, they leave a trail of dust behind them, signifying impending danger. The scene effectively captures the essence of the Old West with its stark, poignant, and atmospheric imagery.

In the town of Tombstone, Douglas Lake stands out as the unique location that doesn’t belong to Arizona. This lake is situated in Sevierville, East Tennessee. It seems that the movie scenes were filmed when part of the lake was drained, a practice occasionally carried out by the state of Tennessee for efficient snowmelt and rainfall during spring. For those intending to visit Douglas Lake, it’s renowned for activities like waterskiing, swimming, and other sports when it’s flooded, typically during certain months. If you’re after an authentic “Tombstone” experience, though, you’ll want to go in the late winter or early spring.

2025-05-20 19:31