Where was The High Chaparral filmed?
1967
City Locations
Los Angeles (USA), Tarrytown (USA), Superior (USA), DeNoon (USA), Bellevue (USA), Reymert (USA), Cochran (USA), Ray (USA), Sonoita (USA), San Manuel (USA), Greaterville (USA), Cascabel (USA), Redington (USA), Burbank (USA), Tucson (USA), Nogales (USA), Tubac (USA), Oracle (USA), Ruby (USA), Tombstone (USA), Agua Dulce (USA)
Location Types
Film Studio, Ranch, Unique, Unusual, Intimate
Location Styles
Old Hollywood, Ranch Style, Desert, Americana
About The High Chaparral
The High Chaparral is a famous American television series with a Western theme. The sitcom aired from 1967 to 1971 and was created by David Dortort, who also produced the renowned "Bonanza."
The story is set in Arizona Territory in the 1870s. It tells the story of the Cannon family, led by patriarch "Big John" Cannon, played by Leif Erickson. Big John is a tenacious rancher motivated to build his cattle empire against opposition from Apache and Mexican factions.
Big John remarries following the death of his first wife, and Victoria, a young Mexican woman played by Linda Cristal, joins the family. His brother Buck, played by Cameron Mitchell, and son Billy Blue, played by Mark Slade, are other important characters in the unfolding family tale.
What distinguishes The High Chaparral is its filming location at Old Tucson Studios outside Tucson, Arizona, which adds authenticity to the environment. It was also recognized for its diverse cast and respectful representations of Native American and Mexican characters, which set it apart from many other Westerns of the day.
In short, The High Chaparral is still a remarkable Western television series, with compelling plots, well-developed characters, and an authentic setting that captivates viewers.
The High Chaparral Locations
Americans loved The High Chaparral, an American TV show from 1967 to 1971. The show is remembered for both its interesting plots and the real places where it was shot. These places were very important in making the vivid mood of the Western genre.
Most of the scenes in The High Chaparral were filmed at the Old Tucson Studios near Tucson, Arizona. Since it opened in 1939, this studio has been the setting for many famous Western movies and TV shows. The nearby Tucson Mountains and Coronado National Forest added a sense of natural beauty and grandeur to the series, which improved its visual appeal.
In addition to the Old Tucson Studios, certain scenes from the series were shot in Los Angeles and at the Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park, adding to the show's diverse environments.
Fans of the show and fans of Western movies would find these filming sites very interesting. The Old Tucson Studios, now a movie studio and tourist park, lets you see how the show was made. Additionally, the area around Tucson is very beautiful, with its huge deserts and rough mountains.
Fun Fact
The ranch house that served as the location for The High Chaparral was completely functioning and had plumbing. After the series finished, it remained part of the Old Tucson Studios tour until it was tragically destroyed in a fire in 1995.
Big John buys a ranch scene in The High Chaparral
Old Tucson Studios, 201 Kinney Rd, Tucson, AZ
Big John Cannon (Leif Erickson) purchases a property known as Rancho Rivera in Apache territory just beyond Tucson. He and his family establish a cattle ranch on this land, which his wife Annalise (Joan Caulfield) renames 'The High Chaparral.' However, Big John doesn't fully comprehend the threats posed by the Apaches, leading to a tragic consequence where Annalise loses her life in an Apache assault.
Established in 1939, Old Tucson Studios is a renowned American movie studio and theme park just west of Tucson, Arizona. Amidst the scenic Tucson Mountains and Saguaro National Park, it's been the backdrop for many Western-themed movies and shows since 1938. With gun fights, stunt shows, a miniature train, a carousel, and historic film tours, it's Arizona's top Western Amusement Park and Events Center.
To reach the iconic Old Tucson Studios at 201 Kinney Rd, Tucson, set off from downtown Tucson. Head west on W Congress St, transitioning into W Gates Pass Rd. Keep driving until you arrive at S Kinney Rd, then turn right. Follow S Kinney Rd; you'll spot the entrance to Old Tucson Studios on your left after covering approximately 7.5 miles. The entrance is marked and conveniently accessible from the road.
Blue and Chatto’s fight scene in The High Chaparral
Saguaro National Park, Arizona
Blue (Mark Slade) and Chatto (Clive Clerk), the son of the Apache Chief, compete to catch a wild black stallion. Although Blue catches the horse first, Chatto steals it, beginning a rivalry. The two young men fight fiercely, with the High Chaparral wranglers and Apache warriors keeping a tight eye on things. Amid this, their fathers arrive, seeking to defuse tensions and keep the present peace deal intact.
Saguaro National Park in southern Arizona is famous for its saguaro plants. This park has more than 91,000 acres of beautiful desert land and is split into two parts, one on each side of Tucson. It gives people a look into the busy life of the Sonoran Desert by showing them a variety of animals and beautiful views. The park has many educational events, scenic drives, and hiking trails, so nature lovers should go there.
To reach Saguaro National Park from downtown Tucson, begin your drive heading east on Broadway Boulevard. Continue for approximately 8 miles, then follow signs leading to the park. The park is divided into East (Rincon Mountain District) and West (Tucson Mountain District) sections, framing the city of Tucson. Detailed directions and maps are available on the park’s official website, ensuring visitors can easily find their preferred entrance.
Manolito reconnects with Mercedes scene in The High Chaparral
Coronado National Forest, Tucson, AZ
Manolito (Henry Darrow) rekindles a childhood connection with the aristocratic Mercedes Vega de Grenada (Donna Baccala), who is visiting Rancho Montoya. Mercedes rejects an arranged marriage, prompting Manolito to pursue her romantically. However, their budding relationship is disrupted when Manolito is injured by Comancheros, a group of bandits who abduct Mercedes for ransom.
An important U.S. National Forest is the Coronado National Forest, which covers 1.78 million acres in southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico. It comprises sixteen separate mountain ranges, called "sky islands," that rise dramatically from the desert floor and support various plant groups. Over 1,000 miles of shared-use trails run through the forest, making it a great place for both short nature walks and long trips. A big part of the Sky Islands north of Mexico is the Coronado National Forest.
The Coronado National Forest can be found in the southeast of Arizona and the southwest of New Mexico. It can be reached by major roads in and around Tucson, Arizona. When you're on Interstate 10, take the S. Kolb Rd exit. This will take you to the forest. To get to certain trailheads and leisure areas, it's best to look at maps and signs along the roads. For exact directions to certain places in the forest, it is best to use a GPS or the official website for the forest.
Victoria saves Nemo scene in The High Chaparral
The Burbank Studios, 3000 W Alameda Ave, Burbank, CA
Victoria's (Linda Cristal) nursing skills save a young Apache warrior, Nemo (Richard Lapp), prompting the Apache leader (Christopher Dark) to believe she possesses magical abilities. He insists she tends to his other, more severely injured son, even though the boy's chances of survival are slim. The stakes are high as Victoria and Manolito (Henry Darrow) face a grim fate at the hands of the Apaches should the boy succumb to his injuries.
The Burbank Studios, located in Burbank, California, is a prominent television and film studio complex. This historical landmark has been home to numerous iconic productions, including many Warner Bros. and NBC shows. It's renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities, sound stages, and production services. The studios have played an integral role in the entertainment industry and remain a hub for creative storytelling and innovation.
To visit The Burbank Studios, located at 3000 W Alameda Ave, Burbank, CA, start from Los Angeles's downtown. Drive to Forest Lawn Dr, then turn left onto W Alameda Ave. After about 2 miles, the studios will be on your right.
Conclusion
The High Chaparral is a classic Western television series that uses its filming sites' natural beauty and historic charm to provide a realistic and compelling viewing experience. Most of the series was produced at Arizona's Old Tucson Studios, which is well-known for contributing to many notable Western productions. Tucson's huge desert landscapes and craggy mountains provided a distinct authenticity to the series.
Additional sequences were shot in Los Angeles and at Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park, broadening the show's visual appeal. A visit to these locales, particularly the now-movie studio and theme park, Old Tucson Studios, would be a pleasure for Western fans and enthusiasts. Finally, The High Chaparral exemplifies the power of place in storytelling, bringing the Old West to life in a manner that few other series have.