Then & Now Movie Locations: Easy Rider

Easy Rider was released into theaters on July 14th, 1969. Filming locations include Needles, Ca. and Flagstaff and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, Az. It was directed by Dennis Hopper. It was the first feature film directed by Hopper. Hopper also co-starred alongside Peter Fonda and Jack Nicholson. Hopper and Fonda's characters were named Billy and Wyatt, after Billy the Kid and Wyatt Earp. Bridget Fonda, daughter of Peter Fonda and Susan Brewer, made her acting debut in Easy Rider at the age of 5, as one of the children in the commune. The movie was added to the National Film Registry in 1998. Billy and Wyatt's motorcycles in the movie, were both customized 1951 Harley-Davidson FL Hydra-Glide bikes. They were designed and built by Cliff Vaughs and Ben Hardy. In 1998, Dennis Hopper appeared in a Ford Cougar car commercial, which paired himself alongside his character from Easy Rider. Born to Be Wild by Steppenwolf and The Weight by The Band are two songs that can be heard in the movie. The films first DVD release was on December 7th, 1999.

Crossing over the Colorado River - Interstate 40

They're traveling east along I-40, crossing from California into Arizona. The accompanying bridge seen next to the one they're riding on, was the Red Rock Bridge. It was constructed in 1890 and dismantled in 1976.

All "Now" pictures taken in 2025.

Riding up hill - Park Moabi Rd. Needles, Ca. 92363

They're traveling south.

2025

Ride past hotel - 2 Historic Route 66 Flagstaff, Az. 86001

They can be seen riding past the McMillan Building. It was built in 1886. The downstairs used to be a Wells Fargo and the upstairs a hotel. At the time of my visit, it was a bar/restaurant. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 7th, 1977.