Where was The Hills Have Eyes filmed?
1977
City Locations
Victorville (USA), Apple Valley (USA)
Location Types
Unusual, Unique
Location Styles
Neglected, Desert, Modern Car, Modern Building
About The Hills Have Eyes
Wes Craven is responsible for giving us the screen masterpiece The Hills Have Eyes. Michael Berryman, Susan Lanier, and Dee Wallace star in the 1977 horror film. With inspiration from the legend of Scottish cannibal Sawney Bean, this movie brings to life how supposedly civilized people can turn to savagery.
The Hills Have Eyes follows the story of the Carters, who run into trouble when their RV gets stuck in an isolated area in the middle of the Nevada desert. After searching for help, a family of mutant cannibals who live in the nearby hills track them down and have no intention of letting them go alive. As they face one fatal threat after another, with each member’s survival at stake, the Carter family fights to save themselves from becoming dinner items for these savage mutants.
Much like depicted in the movie, the Mojave Desert provided the setting for The Hills Have Eyes. Production kicked off in October 1976 with a tight budget. Despite initial reluctance from the crew, Wes Craven’s enthusiasm kept them motivated throughout the filming process.
The team soldiered on, realizing they were creating an epic motion picture. Their resilience paid off, and the film received rave reviews from critics. Two sequels followed: 1985's The Hills Have Eyes Part II and 2007's The Hills Have Eyes 2, and a 2006 remake.
The Hills Have Eyes Locations
Victorville, California, located in the Mojave Desert, was the primary filming location for The Hills Have Eyes. This area offers a stark and isolated backdrop that perfectly reflects the foreboding tone of the narrative.
It is a region that features landmarks such as the historic Silver Lakes and the Oro Grande Bridge, which feature prominently in the movie. Vast desert vistas with rolling hills and scrubland peppered with Joshua Trees offer an untouched beauty that also appeared on the screen.
A trip to The Hills Have Eyes filming locations provides any horror movie fan with much to explore, from quaint photogenic towns to attractions and opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking or rock climbing.
Fun Facts:
A chilling fact about The Hills Have Eyes is that real-life events inspired the premise. Sawnet Bean, the perceived head of a wild Scottish clan that cannibalized numerous folks in the 16th century, served as Craven’s muse for the story about a group of savage people living in the American West.
Fred's Oasis scene in The Hills Have Eyes
Caughlin Rd & Palmdale Rd, California 92392, USA
The Carters make a pit stop at Fred's Oasis in Nevada for fuel, and Fred (John Steadman) advises them to stick to the main road when leaving. However, Fred's truck unexpectedly explodes. Ignoring Fred's seemingly irrational warnings, the Carters later find themselves alarmed by a passing aircraft.
Nestled in the beautiful Mojave Desert, Caughlin Road and Palmdale Road are two of California's hidden gems. These roads offer an experience with stunning views of the desert landscape stretching out as far as the eye can see.
Various restaurants, shops, and other attractions line up the way. With scenic views and endless opportunities for adventure, Caughlin Road and Palmdale Road are must-visit destinations in California.
Determine your starting point and travel south on Interstate 5 or north on Interstate 15. Navigate to the intersection of Caughlin Road & Palmdale Road.
The car crash scene in The Hills Have Eyes
Hudson Rd & Johnson Rd, California 92307, USA
Upon encountering overhead aircraft near Nellis Air Force Range, the Carters lose control of their vehicle, causing it to skid off-road and crash. As a result of the disturbance, their dogs become agitated and start barking at the nearby hills.
Beauty, one of the dogs, runs off into the hills. Bobby (Robert Houston) chases after her and discovers her mutilated body, which leaves him frightened and disoriented, causing him to trip, fall, and knock himself unconscious.
Hudson Road and Johnson Road intersect in California, leading to exciting attractions and activities. This area is known for its high-energy vibe and lively crowds. Strolling down these roads gives you an appreciation for the beautiful architecture and stunning scenery.
Get on I-15 North towards Victorville, and you should get to the intersection of Hudson Road & Johnson Road.
Doug fights Mars scene in The Hills Have Eyes
Hutch Rd, California 92307, USA
Doug (Martin Speer) manages to catch up with Ruby (Janus Blythe), but unfortunately, Mars (Lance Gordon) follows and launches an attack on Doug. Mars initially gains the upper hand, but Ruby intervenes, allowing Doug to overpower Mars. Doug brutally stabs Mars and continues even after Mars dies, while Ruby stands by weeping uncontrollably.
Hutch Road is located in California 92307 and is notable for its serene and peaceful surroundings. Situated in Apple Valley, the road is a popular tourist destination in Southern California. There is a mix of residential and commercial properties along the way, with plenty of local businesses and shops to explore.
In addition to the various amenities and attractions, Hutch Road is known for its beautiful natural scenery. The area is surrounded by mountains and breathtaking desert landscapes, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
Travel on I-15 North or South and navigate to Hutch Road. Continue straight until you reach your destination in California 92307.
Conclusion
The Hills Have Eyes will make you think twice when traversing the American West. The Victorville setting in the Mojave Desert is worth exploring for fans of the ‘70s horror, if only for a photo op to recreate some of the epic scenes.
Abandoned mines and other rugged landscapes served as backdrops for the scenes featuring the wild savages. Filming also took place in Las Vegas for the establishing shots of oil rigs and desert highways.
Throughout the movie, audiences witness varied terrains, from sandy deserts to rugged mountainsides, that contribute to the gritty atmosphere that makes up the core of this classic horror film. Ultimately, The Hills Have Eyes earned its place as a cult-favorite horror film because of its intense story-telling and captivating cinematography.