Once Upon a Time in the West was released into theaters on July 4th, 1969. Filming locations include Kayenta and Monument Valley, Az. Monument Valley, Ut. and Spain. It was directed by Sergio Leone, who also directed spaghetti westerns A Fistful of Dollars, For a Few Dollars More and The Good the Bad and the Ugly. It stars Charles Bronson as Harmonica, the films protagonist and Henry Fonda as Frank, the films antagonist. It also stars the stunning Claudia Cardinale. The film has a marvelous score, composed by the legendary Ennio Morricone. The films first DVD release was on November 18th, 2003.
Jill and Sam ride the stagecoach - Indian Route 42 Monument Valley, Az.
(John Ford's Point)
All "Now" pictures taken in 2020.
Three Sisters can be seen in the background.
Elephant Butte can be seen in the background (center).
Camel Butte can be seen in the background.
Hanging arch - 37° 7'45.48"N 109°58'24.99"W
This location will require a roughly two mile-round trip hike to reach, unless you're traveling by ATV or four-wheel drive.
2020
Looking in the reverse direction.
Cliffside cave - 36.764458, -110.139011
A five mile round-trip hike is required to reach this location. The closest town is Kayenta, Az.
I'd like to thank PaulH of Halloween Filming Locations for finding this location.
All "Now" pictures taken in 2022.
How did you even know where to look for the hanging arch location? That's incredible. Great job!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Andrea David of filmtourismus actually shared the exact whereabouts of the hanging arch location. Although, there are other sites and posts that have also listed it.
DeleteSome site said .14km from an Airoport/may be Moab /?
DeleteThe cliff dwelling where Frank and Morton camp is located at 36.764458, -110.139011 near Kayenta, AZ. It's remote and looks inaccessible but I thought I'd post the location for anyone who is searching for it.
ReplyDeleteWould love more information on cliffside cave if possible, thank you
DeleteOnce upon a time in the west has one of my favourite film scores ever; brings up feelings to see the locations 50 years later. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteLook closely at the Camel Butte pictures. Some of the plants in the background of both pictures are still in their same spots.
ReplyDeleteIs there an account of the work done at these locations during the filming. For example, who choose the location for the arch? I have just been there, and I can see that it is at the top of a shallow hill, and that's why the view all around is fantastic. But who knew about this in the entourage of Sergio Leone? Also, the arch was built with real bricks that seem to come from the area. Some local workers were probably recruited to build this. Some people have their house 2-3 miles away at Mexican Hat, have they know about this spot forever?
ReplyDeleteAs a big fan of this movie, my sons and I visited Monument Valley this May 2023 and we also found the remains of the hanging arch further up Hwy 163 off the road about 2 miles. Beautiful location and we were not disappointed.
ReplyDeleteWhat location scene is bavispe mexico? I live near there and want to confirm the scene.
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