Where Was the Desert Scene in National Lampoon’s Vacation Filmed?

By Robert Palmer

If you’re a fan of the classic comedy movie ‘National Lampoon’s Vacation’, you might be wondering where the iconic desert scene was filmed. You’re not alone.

This scene has been a topic of discussion among movie fans for years. In this article, we’ll explore the filming location and behind-the-scenes details of this memorable moment in the movie.

Behind-the-Scenes of National Lampoon’s Vacation

National Lampoon’s Vacation is a 1983 comedy film directed by Harold Ramis and written by John Hughes. The movie follows the Griswold family as they embark on a cross-country road trip from Chicago to Los Angeles to visit the fictional amusement park, Walley World.

One of the most memorable scenes in the movie takes place in the desert when Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, takes a wrong turn and ends up driving onto an unpaved road that leads him and his family into a barren wasteland.

The Filming Location

The desert scene in National Lampoon’s Vacation was filmed in two different locations: Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park and Red Rock Canyon State Park.

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is located on the border between Arizona and Utah. The park is famous for its towering sandstone formations that rise up to 1,000 feet above the valley floor. This location was used for the opening shot of the desert scene, where Clark Griswold drives his car through Monument Valley with dramatic red rock formations in the background.

Red Rock Canyon State Park is located in California’s Mojave Desert, about two hours north of Los Angeles. The park features stunning rock formations that were formed over millions of years by tectonic activity and erosion. This location was used for most of the desert scene, including scenes where Clark Griswold drives off-road in search of a shortcut to Walley World.

Conclusion

The desert scene in National Lampoon’s Vacation is one of the most memorable moments in the movie. The scene was filmed in two different locations: Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park and Red Rock Canyon State Park. If you’re a fan of the movie and want to visit these locations, both parks are open to the public and offer breathtaking views that are sure to leave you in awe.