Are you a fan of the classic comedy film National Lampoon’s Vacation? If so, you may have wondered where the iconic desert scene in the movie was filmed. In this article, we’ll explore the location of this famous scene and provide some interesting background information about it.
The Desert Scene
In National Lampoon’s Vacation, Chevy Chase’s character, Clark Griswold, leads his family on a cross-country road trip to reach their ultimate destination: Walley World amusement park. Along the way, they encounter a number of obstacles, including a hilarious mishap in the desert.
During this scene, Clark takes a wrong turn and ends up driving his car off-road into the middle of the desert. With no other cars or people around for miles, he realizes that they are completely lost. The family is forced to spend the night in their car with no food or water while enduring scorching temperatures.
The Filming Location
So where was this memorable scene filmed? The answer is Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, located on the border of Arizona and Utah in the southwestern United States.
Monument Valley is known for its striking sandstone formations that tower over the surrounding desert landscape. It has been featured in numerous films over the years for its unique and visually stunning scenery.
A Brief History of Monument Valley
Monument Valley has significant cultural importance to Native American tribes in the area. The Navajo Nation considers it sacred land and has lived there for thousands of years.
In addition to its cultural significance, Monument Valley has also been a popular filming location since Hollywood’s early days. Some of its most notable appearances include John Ford westerns such as Stagecoach and The Searchers.
Filming National Lampoon’s Vacation
When it came time to film National Lampoon’s Vacation in 1983, director Harold Ramis knew that Monument Valley would be the perfect location for the desert scene. He wanted to capture the vastness and isolation of the desert, and Monument Valley provided just that.
The production team spent two days filming in Monument Valley, with temperatures reaching up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The cast and crew endured difficult conditions to ensure that the scene looked authentic.
Conclusion
Now you know where the iconic desert scene in National Lampoon’s Vacation was filmed! Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park provided the perfect backdrop for this memorable moment in cinema history. Next time you watch this classic comedy, you’ll have a deeper appreciation for the beautiful and rugged landscape featured in the film.