Old Tucson Map and Brochure (2023)
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Years Active: 1960 – Active
Old Tucson ain’t Disneyland. This place is rawhide and dust, a living ghost town smack in the middle of the desert. It’s been a movie set for longer than most folks have been alive – think gunfights, saloons, the whole nine yards. You won’t find squeaky-clean history here, but you will find a hell of a good time.
Sure, they’ve got the staged shootouts and the corny shows. But the real fun is off the beaten path. Get lost in the backstreets, check out the weathered buildings that haven’t been on camera in decades. You might even catch the performers in a quiet moment, sharing real stories about the Old West that the guidebooks don’t mention.
Old Tucson’s best days might be behind it. The paint’s peeling, the shows are a little rough…but that’s the charm, right? They’re not trying to fool you with a fake West. And word is, some big changes might be coming. So if you want that authentic, slightly run-down Old West experience, better hurry on down.
Was El Dorado filmed in Old Tucson?
Yes, the classic Western film “El Dorado,” directed by Howard Hawks and released in 1966, was partially filmed in Old Tucson. This iconic movie featured an ensemble cast, including John Wayne and Robert Mitchum, and used the Old Tucson set to create the fictional town of El Dorado. The location’s authentic Western atmosphere and well-preserved buildings made it a popular choice for numerous Western films and television shows.
Why is Tucson so famous?
Tucson, Arizona, is famous for several reasons. First and foremost, it is renowned for its stunning desert landscapes and the nearby Saguaro National Park, which is home to the iconic saguaro cactus. Tucson is also known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and cultural events. Furthermore, the city is famous for its rich history and heritage, including its Spanish colonial roots and its role in the Old West. Additionally, Tucson is celebrated as an astronomical hub, home to the University of Arizona’s Steward Observatory and the Kitt Peak National Observatory, making it a prime location for stargazing and astronomical research.
