Where Was the Desert Scene in Vacation Filmed?

By Michael Ferguson

If you’re a fan of the 1983 classic comedy film, Vacation, then you might be wondering where the memorable desert scene was filmed. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the location and some interesting facts about the filming.

Location

The desert scene in Vacation was filmed in Monument Valley, which is located on the border of Arizona and Utah. Monument Valley is known for its distinctive red sandstone formations that rise up to 1,000 feet above the valley floor. It’s a popular location for filmmakers and has been featured in many Western films over the years.

The Scene

The desert scene in Vacation takes place when the Griswold family is on their way to Walley World. They decide to take a shortcut through the desert, which leads them on an adventure that includes getting lost, running out of water, and encountering some interesting characters along the way.

One of the most memorable parts of this scene is when Clark (played by Chevy Chase) sees a mirage of a beautiful woman in a red Ferrari. He chases after her, only to realize that it was just a hallucination caused by dehydration.

Filming

Filming in Monument Valley was not without its challenges. The crew had to deal with extreme temperatures during the day and cold temperatures at night. They also had to contend with strong winds that would pick up sand and dirt, making it difficult to film.

To get some of the shots they needed, they had to use helicopters to capture aerial footage of the valley. They also had to build a road into one of the locations so that they could transport equipment and vehicles.

Conclusion

The desert scene in Vacation is one of the most iconic scenes in movie history. Monument Valley provided the perfect backdrop for this unforgettable moment in cinema. If you’re ever in the area, be sure to visit this stunning location and relive the Griswold family’s wild adventure through the desert.