Ever watched The Hills Have Eyes and wondered if those creepy desert spots are real? They are. This blog answers the question fans keep asking, where was Hills Have Eyes filmed?
You'll find the exact spots used in the 1977 original, the Mojave Desert backdrops, and the locations from the 2006 remake too.
We'll also share what these places look like now, plus simple tips if you plan to visit.
I've spent time digging through fan reports, old production notes, and location guides to put this together. So you're getting facts, not guesswork.
By the end, you'll know exactly where to look, what to bring, and what to expect.
Where Were Hills Have Eyes Filmed?
The cult horror film was shot in California's high desert, not in a studio.
The Carters' nightmare wasn't set in some made-up town. Wes Craven filmed The Hills Have Eyes in the high desert region near Apple Valley and Phelan, California, part of the wider Mojave Desert.
He picked this stretch of land for a simple reason: it already looked the part. Flat, dry ground stretched out for miles, broken only by jagged hills and scattered rock formations.
There was no need for big sets or special effects to build tension. The land itself did the work, making the family's isolation feel real, dangerous, and impossible to escape from.
Exact Filming Locations Featured in The Hills Have Eyes
Here's a breakdown of the specific spots tied to the film's most tense scenes.
Fred's Oasis Filming Location
This was the gas station where Fred warns the Carter family to stick to the main road. The real spot sat near Palmdale Road and Caughlin Road in Phelan, California.
Today, only a chimney and a few concrete foundations remain, but fans still track down the spot.
The Car Crash Scene Location
The crash that strands the Carter family was filmed southeast of Johnson Road and Hudson Road in Apple Valley.
It's a quiet, open stretch of desert that's now sometimes used for target shooting.
Doug and Mars Fight Scene Location
This intense scene was shot along Hutch Road in Apple Valley. At the time, the area was completely empty.
A few homes have popped up far below since, but the hillside itself looks much the same.
Other Desert Roads and Areas Used During Production
Beyond these three main spots, the crew used various stretches of desert road and hillside around Apple Valley and Phelan to capture wide shots of the family's RV breaking down and the cannibal clan stalking them.
The Real Desert Locations Behind The Hills Have Eyes
The harsh Mojave setting wasn't picked by accident. It shaped the entire mood of the film.
Mojave Desert Filming Locations Seen in The Hills Have Eyes
The Mojave Desert gave Craven exactly what the story needed:empty land, jagged hills, and a sense that help was nowhere close.
Towns like Victorville sit at the edge of this stretch and were used for several scenes.
Real Locations Used to Film The Hills Have Eyes
Most scenes were shot on public desert land, which kept costs low on this tight budget production.
Some areas used for the cannibal family's hideout were old mining sites and rocky outcrops.
The Desert Backdrops That Brought The Hills Have Eyes to Life
Wide shots of rolling hills and scattered Joshua Trees gave the film its lonely, sunburned look.
These backdrops did a lot of the storytelling without a single line of dialogue.
Inside the Mojave Desert Filming Locations
A closer look at how the crew used this stretch of land to build fear.
Abandoned and Remote Sites Used in The Hills Have Eyes
Old mining structures and forgotten roads gave the cannibal family's world its rough, lived-in look. Many of these spots were already falling apart before filming even began.
Isolated Areas That Created the Movie's Sense of Fear
No cell signal, no nearby town, no easy way out. That's exactly what these locations offered, and it's why the danger in the film feels so real.
Real Locations Behind the Film's Most Memorable Moments
The fight scenes, the chase sequences, and the family's desperate stand all happened on actual desert ground, not a soundstage.
That choice gives the film a rawness many horror movies lack.
The Hills Have Eyes Filming Locations Map and Visitor Guide
A practical look at how fans can find and find these spots in person.
How to Find the Major Filming Locations
Most spots sit near Apple Valley and Phelan, off public roads. Some, like the Hutch Road area, require a short hike or a vehicle built for rough terrain.
Best Stops for Horror Fans and Photographers
Fred's Oasis and the Hutch Road hillside are the top picks for fans wanting that then-and-now photo moment.
What to Expect When Visiting the Mojave Desert
Expect heat, dust, and very few people around. Cell service can be weak, so plan ahead before heading out.
Where Did Hills Have Eyes Filmed 2006?
The remake swapped California for an entirely different desert.
Filming Locations Used in the 2006 Remake
The 2006 version was largely filmed near Ouarzazate, Morocco, a region often called the gateway to North Africa's film industry.
The crew built an abandoned-looking gas station set that still stands today as a roadside attraction.
Differences Between the Original and Remake Locations
While the original used real California desert roads, the remake relied more on built sets placed within Morocco's natural desert landscape.
Comparing the Desert Settings in Both Films
Both deserts share that dry, endless look, but Morocco's terrain offered different rock formations and lighting, giving the remake a slightly different visual tone.
Fan Guides, Videos, and Then-and-Now Location Comparisons
A look at how fans keep these filming spots alive online.
Fan Photos Comparing Movie Scenes to Present-Day Locations
Several fan blogs and social posts line up old film stills next to current photos of the same spot, showing just how much (or how little) has changed.
Popular Fan Posts and Filming Location Discoveries
Location hunters have tracked down exact coordinates for Fred's Oasis and the Hutch Road fight scene, sharing their finds on blogs and forums.
Videos That Find The Hills Have Eyes Filming Sites
A handful of YouTube creators have filmed their own visits to these desert spots, walking viewers through what remains decades later.
Behind the Scenes of The Hills Have Eyes Filming
The making of this film involved a tight budget, a tough setting, and a lot of grit.
Wes Craven's Inspiration for the Story's Setting
Craven based the story loosely on the legend of Sawney Bean, a supposed Scottish cannibal. He set it in the American desert to create distance and isolation.
Challenges of Filming in Harsh Desert Conditions
The crew dealt with extreme heat, dust, and a budget of roughly $230,000. Despite this, the desert setting gave the film an authenticity a studio could never match.
Interesting Production Facts and Trivia
Some props used for the cannibal family's lair were reused from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. The film also marked an early role for actor Michael Berryman.
Tips for Visiting The Hills Have Eyes Filming Locations
A few practical pointers before you head out to these desert spots.
- Plan your route in advance because cell service is often weak or unavailable in desert areas.
- Carry plenty of water, food, and basic survival essentials even for short trips.
- Respect private property and avoid entering restricted or fenced-off filming zones.
- Travel with a fully fueled vehicle and keep emergency supplies in case of delays.
- Visit during cooler months to avoid extreme desert heat and unsafe conditions.
Conclusion
So now you know exactly where Hills Have Eyes was filmed, from the dusty roads of Apple Valley to that lonely gas station set in Morocco.
I'll admit, tracking down these spots myself was half the fun. There's something about standing where a scene was shot that makes the movie feel real again.
If this helped clear things up, drop a comment below and tell me which location you'd visit first. Feel free to share this with another horror fan, and check out our other movie location guides too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Were Hills Have Eyes Filmed?
The original 1977 film was shot near Apple Valley and Phelan, California, in the Mojave Desert. These dry, rocky areas gave the movie its harsh, isolated look.
Was The Hills Have Eyes Filmed in a Real Desert?
Yes, the crew used real desert land instead of a studio set. This choice gave the film its raw, authentic feel that fans still talk about today.
Can You Visit The Hills Have Eyes Filming Locations Today?
Yes, many spots near Apple Valley and Phelan are on public land. Some require a short hike, so plan ahead and bring water.
Where Did Hills Have Eyes Filmed 2006?
The remake was filmed mainly near Ouarzazate, Morocco. The crew built a gas station set that still stands as a tourist spot today.
Are Any Original Filming Locations Still Recognizable?
Some are. Fred's Oasis still has remaining foundations, and the Hutch Road hillside looks nearly the same as it did decades ago.
