If you’re a fan of the 1983 comedy classic “Vacation,” you may be wondering where the movie was filmed in Colorado. Well, you’re in luck because we’ve got all the details right here!
The Filming Locations
“Vacation” was filmed mostly in California and Arizona, but there are a few scenes that were shot in Colorado. The Griswold family’s cross-country road trip brings them to several popular tourist destinations throughout the state.
Garden of the Gods
One of the most iconic scenes in the movie takes place at Garden of the Gods, a stunning public park located in Colorado Springs. The towering red rock formations make for a breathtaking backdrop as Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) struggles to control his car while driving through.
Stanley Hotel
The Stanley Hotel, located in Estes Park, served as inspiration for Stephen King’s novel “The Shining.” While it wasn’t actually used as a filming location for “Vacation,” it’s still worth checking out if you’re a horror fan.
Royal Gorge Bridge
The Royal Gorge Bridge is one of the highest suspension bridges in the world and is an impressive sight to behold. In “Vacation,” Clark drives his car over the bridge while his family nervously looks on from inside.
Other Filming Locations
While these are the only locations that were actually filmed in Colorado, there are several other destinations mentioned or shown briefly throughout the movie that are worth mentioning:
- Pikes Peak: This iconic mountain peak can be seen from various locations throughout Colorado Springs.
- South Fork River: The Griswolds go white-water rafting on this river, although it was actually filmed in California.
- Four Corners Monument: The family stops here briefly to take a photo at the spot where Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico all meet.
In Conclusion
While “Vacation” wasn’t extensively filmed in Colorado, the state still plays a significant role in the storyline. If you’re planning a road trip through Colorado, be sure to stop by these iconic destinations and relive some of the movie’s most memorable moments!