Brianna and I recently went and did some touristy stuff. We’re pretty much constantly on the road, but 90% of the time it’s places we’ve been to over and over. Often times having taken the same route we’ve done a million times purely for efficiency’s sake. Now and again we’ll detour, time and money allowing, and check out something we’ve not seen before.
Old Tucson, Arizona is one such place. It’s basically a big western movie set. If I recall correctly, over 400 films have been shot there over the years. John Wayne, Clint Eastwood…even guys like Steve Martin and Chevy Chase! I thought it was pretty awesome. Even knowing there was very little historical significance outside of being a Hollywood set, it still felt very much Old West.
They have the entire day scheduled out with shows and tours that run pretty much every 30 minutes if you’re so inclined. You can walk about the park on your own accord if you’d like, but we opted to mostly follow the schedule they have laid out as there was lots of information and entertainment to be had. They serve beer and liquor at the bar. They’ve got some food and ice cream and all that other good stuff to aid you in parting with your money as well.
Here’s a map of what to expect:
Check out this scene of Old Tucson from the movie Death Wish
The road in is pretty fun. I didn’t take any pictures though…if you’re on a motorcycle, get ready for a short stretch of craziness. Hehe.
Parking is a breeze. The lot is super big and could even accommodate our 46 feet of beast-vehicle. No overnight parking though! And as an FYI, if you’re driving a big vehicle like an RV or something, DO NOT try and take Gates Pass Road in from the east off of the 10. You’ll end up getting to a sign that says “NO vehicles over 6 tons”. I guess local law enforcement likes to issue tickets as well. You have to come in from the south on Hwy 86.
The park is dog friendly, so we brought in the Tiny Tina Turner dog for a short while…the fake gunshots and horse drawn carriages and the likes freaked her out though, so we ended up putting her back in the RV after an hour or so.
They have several musical style shows throughout the day.
I was tinkering around with a BlueTooth remote shutter for my phone.
This is the facade they made for the old movie Three Amigos with Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Chevy Chase. Looks to me like it’s still a good place to pick up chicks. Rawr.
The park is surprisingly big with a fair amount to see. I recommend getting there as the park opens at 10 so you can catch all the shows and stuff.
As I mentioned about shows, they do live action stuff with guns and dynamite and everything! It’s pretty fun!
The acting isn’t terrible either. The Hanged Man.
Someone’s gon’ die today, boy!
Chinese alley…I was a little dissapointed when I went through the door labeled “Chinese Herbs and Medicines” or something to that effect, and I ended up in jail.
We got to take the train ride all to ourselves. Even being there on a weekend, it wasn’t super crowded.
More singing and dancing.
The actors were great. They were super funny. They even played along when I asked them for some YMCA action. :D
Some scenery. I think this is the only pic I caught of the train ride that goes around the park.
The conductor was reeeaaaal friendly if you know what I mean. ;)
This is a real train named the Reno. It’d been in working condition for many years and in many films until 1995 when an arson set part of the town on fire…the train was damaged in the process and hasn’t worked since.
Gotta get that photo op!
Trying to look cool. I’m not entirely sure why…or even that we look at all cool.
It’s kinda like a petting zoo….but not. :P
One of the final shows for the day…there were guns and yelling and stuff.
Some of my friends know that I have Yellow Fever…
I’m not sure that I want to be “cured” though… hehe.
Here’s a google map of where Old Tucson is.