Where Was “Joe Kidd” Filmed?

Love the classic western and are now wondering: where was “Joe Kidd” filmed? Well, then put on your cowboy hat and saddle up your horse. Today, we’re going to check out some of the movie’s most memorable filming locations and which ones you can visit for yourself.

For the aspiring filmmaker, stick around until the end of our ride today. We’ll also share how you can find your own “Joe Kidd”-inspired filming location available for you to rent through Peerspace. Get on your horse and ride – let’s take a trip back through Western history as we explore the legacy of this Eastwood classic!

What is “Joe Kidd”?

Clint Eastwood’s name is synonymous with classic Westerns. And “Joe Kidd” is another on the actor’s long list. The movie was the one collaboration between Eastwood and legendary director John Sturges. Sturges made a name for himself directing pillars of the genre like “Gunfight at the O.K. Corral” and “The Magnificent Seven,” so both men were eager to work together.

The story follows Eastwood’s titular character, an ex-bounty hunter who tangles with legends of the screen, John Saxon and Robert Duvall.

Part of what makes Westerns so great is the gorgeous wide-open landscapes and old Wild West towns that we all know and love. The story places the action in a town called Sinola, New Mexico – but we’ve still got a lot to cover if we’re going to answer the question: where was “Joe Kidd” filmed?

More filmmaking inspiration: what is a “cowboy shot” in film?

Did they actually film “Joe Kidd” in New Mexico?

Most Hollywood movies aren’t actually shot in the place where the story is supposed to be set. Productions have to find the best location that will both fit the location in the script and is also within budget to film in. The setting looks like it could be New Mexico. However, you may be surprised when you hear the answer to the question: where was “Joe Kidd” filmed?

Today, New Mexico is one of the few states that has a robust film industry. The state has been host to critically acclaimed television shows like “Breaking Bad” and “Stranger Things,” along with hit movies such as “The Avengers,” according to IMDB.

However, back in “Joe Kidd’s” day, the neighboring state of Arizona was Hollywood’s go-to choice for Westerns. Therefore, they mostly shot the film there.

This was almost not the case since the studio originally wanted to shoot on Universal’s backlot. But Eastwood and Sturges decided to shoot in Arizona and Inyo County, California, as reported by Trailers From Hell. Part of what made them decide on Arizona was the saguaro cactus, which is only in the Sonoran Desert and sure looks great in a Western!

Notable Arizona “Joe Kidd” filming locations

Now we know that some of the filming locations were in Arizona. Next, we can get down to answering the question: where was “Joe Kidd” filmed?

As reported by Looper, the production primarily took place at the legendary Old Tucson Studios. You have probably seen the old-timey Western set in other productions such as “Gunfight At The O.K. Corral,” “Gunsmoke,” and “3:10 To Yuma.”

The studio was open to the public for years as a Western theme park before closing in 2020 during the pandemic. However, according to Tucson.com, the Old Tucson Studios have a new owner as of April 2022.

The park is now leased from the state by American Railway Company, who plan to reopen in October, just in time for their Halloween-themed takeover of the park called “NightFall!”

Fans can look forward to Western history and contemporary fun when they take a trip to the Old Tucson Studios.

Notable California “Joe Kidd” filming locations

As we mentioned before, thy didn’t film the movie in a studio but in locations in Arizona and Inyo County, California. The gorgeous mountain ranges that are perfect for Western shootouts are sure to beg the question: where was “Joe Kidd” filmed?

One of the areas they used in California for filming is Alabama Hills, which is another staple of movies and television shows. According to IMDB, the area has been in major studio movies like “Gladiator,” “Star Trek V: The Final Frontier,” and “Tremors”. An intrepid blogger actually found the exact spot where Clint Eastwood has a little sniper battle in an area with rock formations.

Some of the other Inyo National Forest locations in “Joe Kidd” are Buttermilk Country and Sherwin Summit, according to IMDB. The USDA Forest Service website says that Buttermilk Country got its name in the 1870s because of a dairy that operated there.

Today, the area is mainly a destination for bouldering, camping, and off-road driving adventures. Sherwin Summit is a mountain pass you may have seen in other Westerns. IMDB reports that it was in the original “True Grit,” and “Shoot Out,” which starred Gregory Peck. You probably won’t see many cowboys if you visit it for yourself since the area is now famous for its hiking trails.

Love all of Clint Eastwood’s movies? Then learn about his movies filmed in Michigan next!

Find your own “Joe Kidd”-inspired filming location

Now that you’ve gotten your fill of “Joe Kidd,” we’re hoping that you’re eager to get out and go create the next great Western for us to enjoy. If you’re an aspiring filmmaker in need of filming locations, then be sure to check out Peerspace. Peerspace is the number one digital marketplace for all your production studio and filming location needs! You can choose from locations all over the country and beyond, so you’ll have all the tools at your disposal to create a genuine cowboy flick.

If you want to utilize the beauty of the Sonoran desert, like in “Joe Kidd”, then check out this 62-acre luxury eco ranch. Take a look at some of the high-quality images posted by the host so you can take in the massive saguaro cacti located on the property. But don’t just take our word for it–this property has some glowing five-star reviews. Like this one: “Can I say, probably the best Peerspace booking I’ve ever had. We really had a great time filming here. The location was magical and the owners/hosts were super helpful and accommodating.”

This is just scratching the surface of what Peerspace has to offer. We know you’ll be sure to find what you need if you use them as your next location scout!

Find unique filming locations on Peerspace