The 1993 blockbuster Western movie “Tombstone” recounts the actual events of the legendary Gunfight at the O.K. Corral and the Earp Vendetta Ride that transpired in Arizona during the 1880s. Just like many films based on real-life incidents, characters, and locations, selecting an authentic filming site is crucial for preserving historical authenticity and engaging viewers. The movie boasts a prominent cast, featuring Kurt Russell portraying legendary gunslinger Wyatt Earp, Val Kilmer as Doc Holliday, Michael Biehn as Johnny Ringo, and Sam Elliot as Wyatt’s brother Virgil.
The movie portrays the actual struggle between Wyatt’s team and a band called The Cowboys. Although some details in the film might not be entirely true to the actual events, it skillfully combines truth and fiction across various historical occurrences during that era. However, the primary source of authenticity lies in its filming locations in Arizona, which contribute significantly to the story’s realism. Here are all the places where Tombstone was filmed, allowing fans to explore these sites as they travel through the now-tamed Wild West.
Mescal Movie Set
As a movie critic, I must confess that while Tombstone is indeed a real town in Arizona, the majority of the filming for this iconic Western was done at none other than the Mescal movie set in Benson, Arizona. This location, about 45 miles east of Tucson and just north of the actual Tombstone, has been cleverly designed to resemble a genuine town from the Old West since its establishment in 1950. Over time, it’s become a filming hub for more than 80 movies and TV shows, with gems like Sam Raimi’s cult classic “The Quick and the Dead,” Clint Eastwood’s American Civil War flick “The Outlaw Josey Wales,” and, of course, “Tombstone” gracing its dusty streets.
During the filming of the movie in the 1990s, Tombstone had developed too much modernity and tourism, making it less suitable for the setting. Instead, location managers chose Mescal as a more fitting location due to its ability to construct and rebuild structures to accurately portray the 1880s boomtown. As reported in Old West, the film crew built and refurbished over 80 buildings in Mescal before shooting began, ensuring an authentic past-like appearance. Since Tombstone was still developing in 1881 when the movie is set, you’ll notice many half-built structures, tents, and other temporary constructions in the background of various town scenes.
Furthermore, some famous structures in Tombstone, such as The Oriental Saloon, Can Can Restaurant, C.S. Fly’s Boarding House and Photography Studio, and the Grand Hotel, were reconstructed. Since the Earps’ presence was an essential part of the film’s accuracy, these efforts indeed proved successful.
If you’re a fan eager to explore Mescal, a bustling film set still in operation, their team organizes seasonal activities alongside regular Historical Film Tours during production downtimes, often held on Fridays and Saturdays.
Babacomari Ranch
Coming up is the Babacomari Ranch, nestled in Elgin, Arizona. Spanning over 28,000 acres, this vast outdoor space beautifully encapsulates the untamed spirit often associated with the Old West era. Notably, the ranch was instrumental in filming the climactic showdown between Doc Holliday and Johnny Ringo, as well as serving as a setting for Henry Hooker’s ranch house scenes. According to lore, this location was particularly fitting for cowboy extras (known as “buckaroos”) to immerse themselves in their roles, with the land providing an ideal campsite during filming.
Right now, the Babacomari Ranch belongs to the Brophy family, who offer it as a vacation destination and also host personal gatherings. Therefore, if you’re yearning for a taste of the Old West, Babacomari would make an ideal choice for your trip.
Coronado National Forest
The majority of Tombstone’s outdoor scenes were captured in Coronado National Forest, specifically at Sabino Canyon, a location northeast of Tucson. It was here that the pivotal riverside showdown between Earp and The Cowboys took place, although production constraints necessitated filming at various seasons of the year. This scheduling challenge led to concerns about continuity inconsistencies, as the water level in some scenes was dry while in others it was swollen following rainfall. To maintain the immersive experience for viewers, the crew had to put in extra effort to modify or disguise the ever-changing landscape so that fluctuations wouldn’t be apparent and detract from the narrative.
In the Coronado National Forest, you’ll find numerous opportunities for hiking and exploration tailored for guests. For instance, Sabino Canyon offers audio tours, a much-loved monsoon season night hike, and day passes that can be purchased at the visitor center.
Old Tuscon Studios
During the filming of Tombstone, Old Tuscon Studios – a studio tailored for complex filming challenges – was also owned and managed by Mescal’s proprietors. This dual control allowed for convenient use of both locations. Notably, Old Tuscon Studios was utilized to stage demanding sequences such as the Mexican wedding massacre, which underscored the brutal side of The Cowboys, and the train station scene where the Earps entered Tuscon. Remarkably, despite having only around 1,000 feet of track for the latter shoot, the production team managed to create an astonishingly realistic depiction.
In my opinion, this film showcases an impressive display of cinematic artistry, particularly in its recreation of Old Tuscon. The Bird Cage Theater and Denver Theater were skillfully constructed within the studios, even managing to capture a snowy scene outside during the sweltering summer heat – a feat that speaks volumes about Arizona’s challenging climate. For those unfamiliar with the region’s intense warmth, this accomplishment is truly noteworthy. Furthermore, let me add that one of the movie’s iconic moments – Doc Holliday’s memorable line, “I’m your Huckleberry” – was perfectly framed on the studio’s Kansas Street. Simply put, this film is a testament to the power of creativity and craftsmanship in bringing stories to life.
Sadly, two years following the release of “Tombstone,” a fire in 1995 caused extensive damage to many properties and memorabilia in Old Tuscon. However, it has since been restored, allowing visitors to explore its historical significance through tours, special events during summer and holidays, and exciting stunt shows.
Mount Lemmon
In Westerns like those filled with gunfights, horseback riding, and intense conflicts, an engaging narrative often hinges on character development and occasional romantic subplots that drive the story forward. For instance, in the movie Tombstone, the tranquil desert region of Mount Lemmon provides a contrast to the action, playing host to a crucial scene between Wyatt Earp and his love interest, Josephine Marcus (played by Dana Delany). As portrayed in the Old West, this location, situated just north of Tuscon, offers an ideal setting for lighter scenes due to its diverse geographical features that charm both humans and animals. Although not as historically significant as other filming locations, Mount Lemmon serves a vital role by providing characters and viewers with moments to pause and appreciate the beauty of Arizona’s landscape.
Mount Lemmon serves as an ideal tourist spot, offering thrilling hiking adventures and horseback rides during summer months, along with winter skiing opportunities. Moreover, the journey to reach this mountain, famously known as Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway, is often recognized as one of the most stunning drives across the Southwest region.
Douglas Dry Lake
In summary, Tombstone also features Douglas Dry Lake, found in eastern Tennessee close to the Great Smoky Mountains. This location is only seen briefly during the initial chase sequence after the montage of Old West footage that sets the stage for the film. Interestingly, although the story is set in Arizona, the production team expanded their horizons and chose this Tennessee location to effectively portray The Cowboys’ free-spirited, lawless lifestyle, enhancing the authenticity of the project as a whole.
Douglas Dry Lake is well-loved by both tourists and locals, offering a variety of enjoyable activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, and numerous nearby attractions. Thus, even though it didn’t play a significant role in the film Tombstone, it’s still worth considering this location for your travel plans.
Tombstone is available for rent now on Prime Video.
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2025-03-23 19:32