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Tremors movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was Tremors filmed?

1990

City Locations

Lone Pine, Darwin, Olancha, CA (USA)

Location Types

Ranch, Farm, Nature

Location Styles

Camper, Classic Truck, Desert, Quarrie

About Tremors

Tremors is a science-fiction horror film directed by Ron Underwood and starring Kevin Bacon and Fred Ward. Released in 1990, the movie follows handymen Earl Bassett (Ward) and Val McKee (Bacon) who discover a series of mysterious deaths in their town. Gigantic prehistoric worm-like creatures, capable of reaching up from under the desert to snatch their prey, are behind it all. Outmatched and cut off from civilization, Earl and Val must devise an escape plan before becoming the creatures' next meal.

Tremorsis an exciting two-in-one movie experience. It entertains you with its modern horror/sci-fi thriller vibe and delightful sense of humor while paying homage to 1950s low-budget desert sci-fi films. This seamless blend of classic elements makes it a must-watch for any genre fan.

Ron Underwood's superb direction, a well-crafted script, and the outstanding performances of each actor all contributed to this film's success. Furthermore, its special visual effects add a surprise element that enthralls viewers in every scene. Ultimately, the combination of these elements culminates in Underwood's delightful pacing throughout the entire picture.

Reviewers highlight the film’s comical wit and suspenseful atmosphere, in addition to the outstanding performances delivered by Bacon and Ward. In recognition of the film's excellence, The Academy of Fantasy & Horror Films awarded it four nominations, including the Best Science Fiction Film nomination. Ariana Richards received a Young Artist Awards nomination for her engaging portrayal of Mindy Sterngood,

Tremors Locations

Some of the Tremors scenes were filmed in two locations around California’s Eastern Sierra region. The two towns are set amongst stunning desert landscapes, impressive mountain ranges, and vast open valleys.

It isn’t surprising that the production crew identified the cinematic potential of this location; when shooting, and when filming the extensive vistas showcased the stunning views of the Alabama Hills and Mount Whitney within their shots.

Most of the scenes were shot around the town of Olancha, between Ridgecrest and Lone Pine in central California. Viewers of the film can experience the majestic backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountain range and its expansive desert terrain, offering unparalleled views from every angle. Filming also occurred at Darwin and Lone Pine, located close to Olancha and providing beautiful views of the Alabama Hills.

A trip to the Tremors filming locations would be worthwhile for any movie fan. Not only can you explore some of the breathtaking scenery shown in the film, but you can also retrace where filming took place, such as abandoned sets or bits of props still littered around certain areas. Many people visit to take pictures with props from the film or enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and off-roading which can be done within the region.

Numerous places are also dedicated to preserving memories from Tremors, including a memorial museum housing artifacts collected over many years created by the locals from Darwin. With its captivating nature and rich history, it’s easy to see why visiting this area would be an enjoyable experience.

Introduction to Perfection scene in Tremors

Cactus Flats Rd. Olancha, Ca. 93545, USA

The scene is set in the open desert of Perfection, Nevada, a remote settlement east of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. We see a car driving down Cactus Flat Roads towards a signboard that reads “The City of Perfection, east 1902.” Va and Earl are two handymen who work on this site.

The whole town was created as a set just off Cactus Flat Roads, and now, you can still see this signboard. East of Olancha, California, on I-395, lies a picturesque area between Ridgecrest and Lone Pine that embodies the grandeur of the California desert. After wrapping up, the Tremors production team had to take down the set.

To get to this location, take I-395 S from Ridgecrest or Lone Pine (depending on your starting point). From there, you will turn onto Cactus Flats Road and drive about 8 miles until you reach Olancha. Then turn left onto US-395 N/Olancha Rd and drive for about 10 miles until you reach I-395 again. From there, it's just a short drive west until you reach the filming location.

Roadwork scene in Tremors

Tuttle Creek Rd. Lone Pine, Ca. 93545, USA

The stunning rock formations of Lone Pine, California, served as the ideal backdrop for a scene in the '90s horror classic, Tremors. Situated in Owens Valley and 23 miles north of Olancha along I-395 is the breathtakingly beautiful Alabama Hills, which are known the world over as a popular movie location.

The film capitalized on this natural wonder to capture its cinematic moment among these awe-inspiring rockscapes. Showcasing a picturesque and enchanting ravine along Tuttle Creek, the scene is where an unknown entity took shepherd Fred's (Michael Dan Wagner) life and that of his flock. Val and Earl find only his head remaining, leading them to believe there is a serial murderer on the loose.

As Val and Earl drive along the road, they notice two construction workers. Despite their warnings, the laborers don’t take cautionary measures, eventually leading to their demise. They are killed by a mysterious creature that subsequently causes a devastating rock slide.

Getting to Lone Pine from Olancha is possible via the US-395 N by car, about 23 miles away. Alternatively, take a bus to Lone Pine from Las Vegas or Bishop; both routes take several hours but offer beautiful views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains along the way. Once in Lone Pine, visitors can find the Alabama Hills just west of town off Movie Road, an area aptly named after its frequent use in cinematic productions.

Hiking through this scenic landscape offers breathtaking panoramas of barren hillsides framed by distant mountain ridges, which serves as a reminder of why filmmakers have used it so often over the years.

Walter Chang's market scene in Tremors

Olancha, CA 93549, USA

The scene in Tremors takes place in the small town of Perfection. The main attraction is Walter Chang's market, which serves as a refuge for the residents when the Graboids return and wreak havoc on their desert town.

Audiences witness the destruction that the Graboids cause to this humble shop, ripping up the floorboards, and badly damaging the foundations while attempting to get to their prey. Unfortunately, during their attack on Walter's general store, they kill him (Victor Wong).

The location where this scene was filmed is Olancha, California (93549) in rural Inyo County. Here you can observe a picturesque view of the area and its surrounding landscape; its desert terrain and rolling hills make it an ideal backdrop for any Western-themed film or television show.

Although the set was created solely for the movie, you can still marvel at the beautiful setting. It may be impossible to relive that exact moment again, but with such a stunning view of that location, it will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.

Navigate your way to Olancha through Highway 395 from Bishop or Lone Pine. Once you arrive at Olancha, drive approximately 2 miles north on Highway 395 until you reach Weller Road to your left, about 250 feet before Chalk Bluff Road, and follow it until you reach a gravel road leading north towards Badger Flat.

Earl, Valentine, and Rhonda get stuck on the boulders scene in Tremors

Alabama Hills, Movie Flat Rd. Lone Pine, Ca. 93545, USA

With the majestic Mt. Whitney, California's highest peak, in the background, Movie Flat Rd in Lone Pine is an excellent location that showcases Mother Nature’s beauty, three hours north of Los Angeles. This breathtaking destination was featured prominently during one of the most suspenseful scenes in Tremors when Earl, Val, and Rhonda find themselves stranded and desperately pole-vaulting their way to safety among Eastern Sierras' grandeur.

Movie Flat Rd. was constructed in the golden age of Westerns, allowing production crews to access filming locations without hassle or delays. Even today, this road is still highly sought after by filmmakers and hikers alike who come to explore nature's extraordinary beauty.

From meadows surrounded by rolling hills and deserts landscape strewn with Joshua Trees to magnificent rock formations sculpted through wind erosion, there’s something that can fascinate everyone along its trails. Although you won't find Graboids here anymore, a visit will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired again.

To reach this superb location, take U.S. Highway 395 North from Los Angeles County until you go to Independence, CA, then turn onto State Route 136, which will lead you straight into Lone Pine. After following this road for a few miles, you will eventually spot Movie Flat Rd on your right-hand side right before entering the town.

Lake scenes in Tremors

Owens Lake, California, USA

In the scenes near the city of Perfection, we see dry Owens Lake in the background. This arid lake bed provided a unique backdrop for the characters' last stand against the giant worm-like Graboids. The lake is in Inyo County, just east of the Sierra Nevada mountain range and south of Bishop.

At the beginning of the twentieth century, Owens Lake in southern California could have been mistaken for one of America's largest inland seas. Tragically, by the mid-1920s, it had vanished due to Los Angeles' constant need for more water than nature provided.

In terms of getting to this location, it's accessible from the nearby cities of Bishop and Lone Pine. From either town, take US-395 southward to SR-136, which will take you straight to Owens Lake.

Once there, you can set your eyes on the spectacular views captured in Tremors, including miles and miles of flat desert terrain surrounded by mountains. From this viewpoint, you can also see some remains from an old train station used during filming!

Conclusion

Tremors is an electrifying, one-of-a-kind horror comedy that turns the genre on its head. It pays tribute to '50s cult classics like The Blob (1958), Them! (1954), and Creature From the Black Lagoon (1954). Whether you are a seasoned fan of monster movies or just getting into them, this film will undoubtedly leave you in stitches with its over-the-top thrills and chills.

The performances by Kevin Bacon and Fred Ward were genuinely remarkable; they conveyed their characters' humorous personalities without coming off as too cartoonish. The script was clever and the idea of giant worms invading the small town was creative, creating an excellent atmosphere for comedic tension.

Tremors has been credited as one of the films that revitalized the monster movie genre in Hollywood, introducing modern audiences to the classic style of 1950s B-movies. Combining elements from that era with its original contributions, Tremors manages to create a thrilling experience for viewers that still resonates today.

Ron Underwood's direction is masterful in effectively establishing this tone, and he never succumbs to patronizing parody or falls into predictable cliches. Tremors was so successful that it spawned an instant sequel, the direct-to-video release of Tremors II: Aftershocks in 1995.

All in all, if you're looking for something fun and engaging, with a unique blend of styles ranging from horror to farce while still managing not to take itself too seriously, then there's no better choice than watching Tremors.