Where was The Rifleman filmed?
1958
City Locations
California, Arizona (USA)
Location Types
Ranch, Film Studio, Riverside
Location Styles
Americana/Anywhere, Colonial, Dated/50's-60's-70's, Dilapidated/Neglected, Southwestern, Ranch Style
About The Rifleman
For those who grew up in the 60s, The Rifleman is likely a vivid piece of their childhood memories. This show significantly impacted during an era when America still held a certain degree of innocence. The Rifleman, a beloved Western television series, aired from 1958 to 1963. This iconic show was the brainchild of Sam Peckinpah and was skillfully directed by Arnold Laven. The lead roles were played by Chuck Connors, who portrayed Lucas McCain, and Johnny Crawford, who starred as Lucas' son, Mark McCain. Four Star Productions handled the show's production and featured several episodes with the renowned cowboy actor Paul Fix.
The story follows Lucas McCain and his son, Mark, living in North Fork, New Mexico. Having lost his wife to an illness, Lucas enters a turkey shooting contest to win the deed to a plot of land, which he then uses to raise his son. The town is ruled by a corrupt figure threatening Mark's life, prompting Lucas to confront him and his henchmen in the saloon. With help from Vernon Tippet (Dennis Hopper), Lucas successfully kills the man, and the judge invites them to stay.
The Rifleman was the first primetime TV series about a single parent and is distinguished among other Westerns for having a main character who rarely carried a gun. It was nominated for two Primetime Emmy Awards in 1959 for Best Western Series and Best Supporting Actor (Johnny Crawford).
The Rifleman Locations
The iconic Western television series The Rifleman (1958-1963) used a variety of picturesque locations for filming, adding to its charm and appeal. The make-believe town of North Fork was vividly realized on a CBS sound stage. However, most outdoor sequences were shot at the 20th Century Fox Ranch in Malibu Creek State Park and Iverson Ranch in Chatsworth, Los Angeles. These locations offered a rich and diverse backdrop, teeming with natural beauty and landmarks that added depth and authenticity to the series.
Hollywood's most advanced production tools were employed to enhance the setting further. Sets were meticulously built to represent structures and buildings of the era, complemented by elaborate backdrops. Filming extended beyond the sound stage and ranches to include other scenic locations such as Calabasas, Paramount Ranch in Santa Monica Mountains, and even Wildwood Regional Park in Thousand Oaks, California.
A visit to these filming locations would be worthwhile for fans of The Rifleman, offering a glimpse into the past and the chance to walk in the footsteps of the show's characters. Combining natural beauty, historical significance, and Hollywood magic makes these sites unique. Hollywood's cutting-edge hardware helped the producers create one of the most successful series to have graced the big screen, and these locations stand as a testament to that achievement.
Fun Fact
During Connors' audition for the show, the director unexpectedly tossed a rifle his way. Leveraging his past experience as a Major League Baseball player, he deftly caught it, which landed him the role.
McCain Ranch scenes in The Rifleman
McCain Ranch (The Rifleman) Site, 1925 Las Virgenes Rd, Calabasas, CA
Lucas McCain (Chuck Connors) is a widowed rancher on a modest ranch outside North Fork, New Mexico. He shares his life with his son Mark (Johnny Crawford) and his close friend, Marshal Micah Torrance (Paul Fix). The portrayal of their shared ranch life, serving as the setting for numerous unforgettable scenes, is a cherished aspect of the series that fans remember fondly.
The filming location for the ranch was in Malibu State Park in Franklin Canyon. Although the original farm structure in the series burned down, the park still offers the same breathtaking views that fans would recognize from the show. The location's wild atmosphere and natural beauty are remarkably preserved, making it feel like stepping into a scene from The Rifleman.
Malibu State Park welcomes visitors and provides many outdoor activities such as bird spotting, equestrian activities, mountain cycling, trekking, rock scaling, angling, and picnicking. In addition, the park offers guided programs and walking tours led by rangers for individuals keen on deepening their understanding of the park's ecological significance and historical background.
Travelers can reach Malibu State Park by driving from the broader Los Angeles region or through public transit. A public bus route runs from Santa Monica Pier to Malibu, and a private shuttle service is available from Los Angeles Union Station to Lone Oak. Upon entering the park, visitors can immerse themselves in the stunning natural surroundings and appreciate the scenic vistas showcased in the series.
The town of North Fork scenes in The Rifleman
Old Tucson Studios, 201 Kinney Rd, Tucson, AZ
In "The Sixteenth Cousin" episode, the long-awaited railroad finally pulls into North Fork, carrying Lucas (Chuck Connors) and Mark McCain (Johnny Crawford), who have been away selling cattle. Also journeying on this train are two Japanese gentlemen, one of whom, Hikaru Yamanaka (John Fujioka), carries the title of Lord. Welcomed with open arms by the McCains, they extend their stay in North Fork. However, their presence isn't received as warmly by some town troublemakers who find amusement in making insensitive comments and jokes about the visitors.
Like many others in the series, this memorable scene was filmed at Old Tucson Studios. The town of North Fork was brought to life through small buildings, narrow streets, and structures built into corners. This was done using advanced Hollywood production tools to create a realistic and immersive setting. These sets represented the architecture and environment of that historical period, complemented by intricate backdrops.
Old Tucson Studios has been a popular filming location since 1938, hosting hundreds of Western-themed movies and shows. Today, it stands as a testament to the golden age of Western cinema and invites fans and tourists to step into the world of their favorite films and TV shows.
To visit Old Tucson Studios, you can plan a trip to Tucson, Arizona. There are several ways to get there, including by car, bus, or plane, depending on your location.
The gang kidnaps Micah scene in The Rifleman
Iverson Location Movie Ranch, 1 Iverson Ln, Chatsworth, CA
An intense narrative unfolds in the renowned episode "Letter of the Law" from season 2. An infamous outlaw gang abducts Micah (Paul Fix), threatening to execute him unless their leader is jailed. Lucas (Chuck Connors) is faced with a dire choice - to release a notorious criminal or risk the life of his friend Micah.
Like many outdoor sequences in the series, this gripping episode was filmed at the iconic Iverson Ranch. This location has served as a backdrop for approximately 2,000 films and television shows, making it one of the most recognizable sites for movie viewers across generations. The ranch is characterized by its striking sandstone boulders, lush oak trees, and stunning backdrops of Chatsworth Peak, Rocky Peak, and Oat Mountain.
Iverson Ranch is open to the public for fans and tourists who wish to visit this historic film location. It is in the Simi Hills of western San Fernando Valley in California. Depending on your starting point, you can reach the ranch by car or public transportation. For example, if you're in downtown Los Angeles, it's about a 40-minute drive via the US-101 N.
Lucas and Mark come across Micah and the prisoner scene in The Rifleman
Big Horn Mountains Wilderness, Buckeye, AZ
In the gripping episode "And the Devil Makes Five" from season 5, Lucas (Chuck Connors) and Mark (Johnny Crawford), coming back from a serene fishing trip in the mountains, cross paths with Micah (Paul Fix). Micah is on a mission, escorting prisoner Scully Potter (Lonny Chapman) to Santa Fe. This unexpected encounter adds a layer of tension to the otherwise peaceful return journey.
This compelling mountain scene and others in the series were captured in the picturesque Big Horn Mountains Wilderness. This expansive natural reserve hosts the magnificent Big Horn Mountain, soaring 1,800 feet above the arid landscape. Other significant peaks include the Burnt Mountain and Little Horn Peak. The wilderness area presents a variety of activities, such as camping, hiking, photography, rock climbing, and studying nature. Close to the northeast, you can find the Hummingbird Springs Wilderness.
Fans and adventurers alike can visit the Big Horn Mountains Wilderness. Located in Arizona, it's about a three-hour drive from Phoenix via the I-10 W.
Conclusion
The Rifleman stands as an iconic Western series, with its enduring popularity partly owing to its captivating filming locations in California and Arizona. These picturesque settings provided the backdrop for the show's gripping tales of frontier justice and moral dilemmas.
California's picturesque Simi Valley and the Iverson Ranch served as the primary filming location, offering a rich and varied landscape of rugged hills, expansive meadows, and dusty streets. These locations seamlessly transported viewers to the untamed Wild West, enhancing the show's authenticity and drama.
Additionally, The Rifleman ventured into Arizona for select episodes, utilizing the breathtaking scenery of Sedona and Old Tucson. Sedona's striking red rock formations lent an air of mystique to the series, while Old Tucson's historic streets and buildings added an undeniable Old West charm.
These carefully chosen filming locations played a pivotal role in shaping The Rifleman into the beloved classic it remains today. California and Arizona's natural beauty and historic settings created a timeless stage for the show's legendary tales of courage and conviction.