I know you’re wondering where the movie Big Jake filmed after watching those incredible desert scenes. I’ve tracked down every single location where John Wayne rode across those red rocks back in 1971.
This guide shows you the exact filming spots in Arizona, Utah, and Mexico. You’ll find out how to visit Monument Valley, San Rafael Swell, Durango, and Sierra de Órganos. I’m sharing maps, travel advice, and stories from behind the scenes.
I’ve spent time researching each site so you can plan your own Western road trip with confidence.
Let’s look at where this classic movie came to life.
Why Big Jake’s Filming Locations Matter
The places where Big Jake was shot aren’t just backdrops. They shaped the entire feel of the movie. Director George Sherman chose locations that felt raw and real, not polished studio sets.
These sites in Arizona, Utah, and Mexico gave the film its gritty, authentic Western atmosphere.
John Wayne insisted on filming in actual wilderness areas to capture the harsh conditions his character faced. The result? Scenes that still resonate with fans decades later.
Big Jake Filming Locations Overview
The movie was shot across four major areas in two countries. In the United States, they filmed in Arizona and Utah, both offering desert terrain and rock formations perfect for Western storytelling.
In Mexico, the crew spent significant time in Durango and Zacatecas, regions that had established themselves as go-to spots for Hollywood Westerns.
The filming sites included working ranches with period-appropriate buildings, canyons with towering walls, dramatic waterfalls, and expansive desert landscapes. Mexican villages provided genuinely rustic settings with adobe structures that needed minimal set dressing.
Monument Valley, Arizona, USA
Monument Valley provided the most recognizable images from Big Jake, with its massive sandstone formations creating an iconic Western backdrop.
The opening sequences show John Wayne’s character riding through the valley’s famous buttes.
These towering rock formations rise hundreds of feet from the desert floor, with red and orange colors creating a visual signature that Western fans recognize instantly.
Visiting Monument Valley
- Drive about 280 miles north from Phoenix (roughly five hours)
- Las Vegas sits about 400 miles away (six-hour trip)
- The Navajo Tribal Park manages the valley with guided tours along a 17-mile dirt road
- Book ATV tours for a more immersive experience
- Tours typically last two to four hours with local Navajo guides
- GPS coordinates: 36.9980° N, 110.0985° W
- Key formations include the Mittens, Merrick Butte, and Totem Pole
San Rafael Swell, Utah, USA
San Rafael Swell served as the location for family scenes and homestead sequences. The McCandles family reunion and Maureen O’Hara’s ranch scenes were shot among these red rock formations.
The landscape reinforced the harsh frontier life the characters endured, with canyons, plateaus, and natural amphitheaters creating perfect filming conditions.
Visiting Tips
- Interstate 70 runs through San Rafael Swell between Green River and Salina, Utah
- Temple Mountain Road and Goblin Valley Road offer good entry routes
- Scenic viewpoints line Highway 24 on the eastern edge
- Some locations require high-clearance vehicles
- Download maps beforehand due to limited cell service
- Check with local BLM offices about current conditions and access restrictions
Durango, Mexico
Durango became Big Jake’s home base in Mexico, offering authentic ranch settings and the famous El Saltito Waterfall that became central to the film’s climax.
Over 140 Hollywood productions have filmed in Durango since the 1950s.
John Wayne even owned property near Durango, and his involvement helped secure locations and local cooperation.
Ranch sequences showing the villains’ hideout were shot at properties outside Durango city.
The 20-meter El Saltito Waterfall appears in the film’s action sequences, with surrounding vegetation and rock walls creating a complete environment for filming.
Tourist Tips
- Visit Paseo del Viejo Oeste, a preserved Western film set 10 kilometers north of Durango city
- The Francisco Villa Museum in downtown Durango covers revolutionary history relevant to the film’s time period
- Hire guides who specialize in film location tours from Durango city center
- Spring and fall offer the best weather, avoiding summer heat and winter cold
- Bring valid passport for U.S. citizens
- Purchase Mexican car insurance at the border
Sierra de Órganos National Park, Zacatecas, Mexico
Sierra de Órganos provided the dramatic canyon backdrop for Big Jake’s car chase sequence. These rock formations jut vertically from the ground like organ pipes, giving the park its name.
The automobile chase through narrow passages showcased these natural obstacles, adding visual variety to the Mexican filming segments.
Visiting the Park
- Located about 130 kilometers southeast of Durango (two-hour drive on Highway 45)
- Basic facilities and trail maps available at park entrance
- Hiking trails range from easy walks to challenging climbs
- Rock climbing opportunities for experienced climbers
- Guided tours available through park office to identify specific filming locations
- Stay on marked trails and check weather conditions
Behind the Scenes of Filming in Big Jake
John Wayne starred as Jacob McCandles, with Maureen O’Hara playing his estranged wife and Richard Boone as the villain.
The Wayne family made this a family project, with Patrick Wayne, Christopher Wayne, and Ethan Wayne all appearing in the film.
Director George Sherman and cinematographer William Clothier captured the landscapes with skill, making locations feel both expansive and intimate.
Production faced real challenges. Scorpions posed constant problems in desert locations, requiring daily equipment checks.
Rugged terrain made moving camera equipment difficult, and remote filming meant limited access to supplies. Heat pushed shooting schedules to early morning and late afternoon, while dust storms occasionally forced delays.
Maps & How to Plan Your Big Jake Location Tour
Monument Valley sits in northeastern Arizona near the Utah border. San Rafael Swell lies about 250 miles northeast in central Utah. From there, it’s roughly 650 miles south to Durango, Mexico, with Sierra de Órganos adding another 130 miles southeast.
The total driving distance exceeds 1,000 miles.
Start in Arizona at Monument Valley, spending a full day exploring. Drive to Utah’s San Rafael Swell next (about four hours away), camping or staying in Green River.
After Utah, head south into Mexico through El Paso or Columbus, New Mexico.
Budget two to three days in the Durango area, finishing at Sierra de Órganos National Park. Allow a week total for this route with reasonable pacing.
Travel Tips
Visit during spring (March through May) or fall (September through November) for mild temperatures
- Avoid summer when temperatures exceed 100°F in Arizona and Mexico
- Bring plenty of water and sun protection
- Download offline maps due to spotty cell service
- Some locations require entrance fees or advance tour bookings
- Check current Mexico travel advisories before departure
Final Rating: Is the Big Jake Location Tour Worth It?
I’d give this road trip a solid 9/10 for Western movie fans. Monument Valley alone makes the whole trip worthwhile, and the Mexican locations add authentic flavor you won’t find anywhere else.
The sites are well-preserved and accessible, though the 1,000-mile distance requires serious planning. If you love classic Westerns and have a week to spare, this tour delivers real value.
Casual fans should stick to Monument Valley and Durango, but die-hard Big Jake enthusiasts will find hitting all four locations creates an unforgettable experience.
Conclusion
I’ve always wanted to stand where John Wayne stood in Big Jake, and now you know exactly where the movie Big Jake filmed. These spots in Arizona, Utah, and Mexico still look incredible today. Monument Valley gives me chills every time I see it.
The best part? You can actually visit all these places and feel that Old West atmosphere yourself. Grab your camera and start planning your trip.
Drop a comment below if you’ve been to any of these locations or tell me which one you want to see first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was most of Big Jake filmed?
Most filming happened in Durango, Mexico, where the production team spent several weeks. Monument Valley in Arizona provided the most iconic imagery that fans associate with the movie.
Can you visit the Big Jake filming locations today?
Yes, all major filming locations remain accessible to visitors. Monument Valley operates as a Navajo Tribal Park with tours, and the Mexican sites around Durango welcome tourists with preserved film sets.
Did John Wayne own property in Durango?
John Wayne had connections to property near Durango and worked on multiple films in the region. His relationship with the area helped secure cooperation and locations for Big Jake’s production.
How long does it take to visit all Big Jake filming locations?
A complete tour visiting Monument Valley, San Rafael Swell, Durango, and Sierra de Órganos requires about one week. This allows time to actually find each location rather than just driving through.
What other movies were filmed in these same locations?
Monument Valley hosted dozens of Westerns including The Searchers and Stagecoach. Durango has been featured in over 140 films, and Sierra de Órganos appeared in movies like Bandidas.
