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Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid filmed?

1969

City Locations

Utah, Colorado, California (USA), Mexico

Location Types

Nature, Ranch, Film Studio

Location Styles

Americana, Cabin, Craftsman, Colonial, Building Dated, Rustic, Ranch style

About Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

George Roy Hill's Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid stars Paul Newman and Robert Redford as two outlaws on a rampage in the Wild West. The duo, proudly known as "The Hole-in-the-Wall Gang," caused chaos with their daring criminal acts during the turn of the century. In the late ‘50s, William Goldman stumbled upon an intriguing tale of Butch Cassidy. He then dedicated eight years to researching and studying its complexities before finally crafting a screenplay.

The movie follows the adventures of Butch (Newman) and Sundance (Redford) on a successful train-robbing streak, without using any violence, despite all efforts to apprehend them. After one such heist, they find refuge at Etta's (Katharine Ross) house, Sundance's girlfriend, only to be quickly chased out after a heist goes wrong, due to increased security measures put in place by the railroad boss.

With no other choice, Butch and Sundance head south to Bolivia, hoping to escape their pursuers and find new luck there. However, it proves futile when they are surrounded by Bolivian soldiers while holed up in a barn.

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid became one of highest grossing films at that time. Several accolades back up the film’s success, including four Academy Awards for Best Achievement in Cinematography, Best Achievement in Music (Original Score and Song), and Best Writing. The Western also received BAFTA Awards for Best Actor (Robert Redford) and Actress (Katharine Ross), Best Cinematography, Best Direction (George Roy Hill), Best Film, and others.

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid Locations

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid went down in the vault of cult Western favorites, and unsurprisingly, some of the most memorable scenes were shot in America's most breathtaking and unique locations.

Primary filming took place in Utah, Zion National Park, and Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway in southwest Colorado. With the gorgeous backdrop of red rock cliffs and dramatic canyons, both areas provide a beautiful and fitting setting for Westerns, much like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

Butch, Sundance, and Etta sought refuge in the now-desolate Mormon town of Grafton, found within the Zion National Park. This Wild West hideaway lies six miles west of Springdale on State Route 9 alongside the Virgin River. The schoolhouse where they stayed was constructed specifically for the film, while its barn remains - now the historic Ballard Barn.

While many scenes were filmed at the Zion National Park, some railroad robbery shots were filmed at Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway. Today, it is a hotspot among tourists seeking to experience their own Western adventure. A trip to either location would certainly be worthwhile, and it starts with recapping some of the best scenes in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid as well as their filming locations.

Butch and Sundance hole up with schoolteacher Etta Place scene in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

Zion National Park, Utah, USA

After the first successful heist, Butch Cassidy celebrates by heading to a local brothel. There, he watches with delight as the town marshal musters up an unruly posse in pursuit of his gang, only for it all to be derailed by none other than a pleasant bicycle salesman!

Undeterred, this peddler instead pitches them on what they can expect if they look towards “the future.” Sundance reunites with his beloved schoolteacher Etta, and they share a blissful night.

Most of the movie was filmed in Zion National Park, Utah, a picturesque nature reserve presenting an awe-inspiring backdrop. Its stunning scenery consists of multi-hued gorges, formidable precipices, and plateaus covered with vegetation, all wonderful for hiking or horseback riding adventures. The views of majestic cliffs are typical of Zion National Park's dramatic landscape, which was used as the backdrop for this pivotal scene.

Etta’s home was constructed specifically for filming purposes. Still, the remaining buildings throughout Grafton Ghost Town are historic structures, including an old church-turned-schoolhouse and a barn that has been standing since 1877.

The closest airport nearest Grafton Ghost Town is St George Regional Airport, about 40 miles away from Grafton Ghost Town. From there, you can take a shuttle or rent a car to drive about 2 hours to Springdale at Zion National Park entrance, where you can access trails that lead you through mesmerizing landscapes until you reach Grafton Ghost Town.

The railway robberies scenes in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway, southwest Colorado, USA

The action-filled sequence on the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway stands as some of the most memorable scenes in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. In one such scene, Butch Cassidy attempts a second train robbery, this time with much larger dynamite to blow open a safe.

However, his plan backfires when the explosion demolishes the baggage car, sending money flying everywhere. As he scrambles to collect it all up, a second train arrives with a team of lawmen ready to take him and Sundance (Robert Redford) down.

The Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway has been featured in films like Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade, Around The World In 80 Days, and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. This beautiful railway winds through canyons and mountains in southwest Colorado, with views of high desert mesas and alpine forests. It's an unforgettable experience, and running near historic mining towns like Silverton makes it even more special.

To get to this location, you can fly into Durango–La Plata County Airport (DRO), about 38 miles away from Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway Station. Rent a private car from the airport to reach your destination via US-550 N.

Butch and Sundance hide from the law scene in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

20th Century Fox Studios, 10201 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90067, USA

Butch Cassidy and Sundance desperately attempt to hide in a local brothel to avoid arrest. As they flee the law, they seek amnesty from the friendly Sheriff Bledsoe (Jeff Corey), who warns them that their days are numbered. This climactic scene of desperation is one of the film's most unforgettable moments and has become an iconic part of movie history.

The scene was filmed at Stage 16 at 20th Century Fox Studios in Century City, Los Angeles. Located at 10201 Pico Boulevard in Los Angeles, the sprawling complex houses multiple sound stages. Today, it is known as The Lot Hollywood and is owned by Disney.

Visitors interested in seeing where this famous scene was filmed can take a guided studio tour through The Lot Hollywood, which departs from 10202 West Washington Boulevard in Culver City, California. Guests must purchase tickets online in advance, granting them a chance to explore some of their favorite film sets used to shoot classics like Star Wars and Titanic, before heading to Stage 16 for an up-close look at where Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid made their fateful decision to flee from the law.

Butch and Sundance land in a water scene in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

Trimble Bridge, Durango, CO 81301, USA

The jump captures the two main characters' reckless abandon, courage, and daring spirit. With no other options left in their pursuit to flee from the law, they leap into a river canyon, and the actors who played the parts had nothing to break their fall but an unseen mattress below.

The jump was filmed at Trimble Bridge over the Animas River near Durango, Colorado, and Century Lake on Century Ranch in Agoura Hills, California. In Colorado, stuntmen took on the dangerous task of jumping off the bridge while Redford and Newman were filmed initiating their dive.

For safety reasons, a matte painting was used to obscure a crane used to capture close-up shots of them as they leaped off the cliffside. At Century Lake in California, stuntmen completed the dive by landing in the water, giving viewers an exhilarating sense of realism.

To visit Trimble Bridge, take Highway 550 N out of Durango towards Main Ave. After around six miles, you will reach Junction Creek Road on your right, continue on this road until you pass under Trimble Bridge.

Butch and Sundance against Bolivian Army scenes in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

62540, Centro, Tlayacapan, Mor., Mexico

The final scene is most remembered for its dramatic and intense conflict. The two outlaws confidently stride from a building in Tlayacapan, guns blazing, as they face a line of Bolivian troops ready for battle.

The sun is at its zenith and kicks up in their wake, and the soldiers fire back volleys of bullets in response. The charge of the two men against seemingly impossible odds is inspiring and heartbreaking, reminding audiences that they are determined to survive this gunfight no matter how slim their chances may seem.

This particular scene was filmed at the Plaza del Pueblo in Tlayacapan, Morelos State, in central Mexico. The movie location provided a picturesque backdrop of mountains, churches, old buildings, and cobbled streets, all combined to create a vivid atmosphere of hardship and courage.

Tlayacapan itself is located about 60 km east of Cuernavaca, the capital city of Morelos state, or about a couple hours by car or bus south of Mexico City. To get to Tlayacapan from Mexico City, catch a direct bus from Terminal Norte or take public transport to Cuernavaca before taking another bus or taxi.

From Cuernavaca, you can catch buses directly to San Francisco Tlayacapan, which will drop you off at Plaza del Pueblo, where Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid's shootout was famously filmed.

Conclusion

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is one of the most acclaimed Western movies ever. The performances by Paul Newman and Robert Redford as Butch and Sundance, respectively, were outstanding. Newman, in particular, received praise for his portrayal of the complicated anti-hero.

The script was masterfully written by William Goldman, with witty dialogue that always lands in the right direction. The idea behind the movie, which follows two outlaws facing a changing world that can’t seem to keep up with their criminal ways, is engaging and endlessly entertaining.

The movie opens with a delightful, nostalgic newsreel centered around the Cassidy gang. This sets the tone for an exciting adventure that follows. Watch as Sundance fearlessly takes on a menacing gambler in a tavern, and Butch shuts down revolts within his crew - these scenes are some of the film's most memorable moments.

The movie has left an impression on viewers over the last five decades since its release, due to its mix of comedy, drama, and action that culminates into an unforgettable experience. It is one of the highest-grossing movies ever made and has influenced countless other films within and beyond its genre.

Roger Ebert was quite impressed with the start of the movie and its three main stars but found that it dragged on too long and concluded in a dissatisfying way. Still, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is a must-watch for any classic Western fan.