Vasquez Rocks
The
Vasquez Rocks are cool rock formations located at a 745-acre park in the Canyon Country, northeast of Los
Angeles.
On December 30, 2000, we took our first trip out to the rocks, and have been back a couple of times since. On this page are some photos from that trip, as well as some stills from television shows and movies that have been filmed there.
Tons of movies, television shows and commercials have been filmed at the Vasquez rocks in the past 65 years. These have included several episodes of Bonanza, a few episodes of the Wild Wild West, three episodes of the Zorro TV series, at least two episodes of Buck Rogers, and the season ender of Roswell.
Movies with location shoots at Vasquez include Romance of the Rio Grande starring Cesar Romero, the 1943 version of The Batman, Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey, the original Austin Powers movie and the two live action Flintstones films.
However, the main reason we went to see the rocks is to check out the place where four episodes of the classic Star Trek series was filmed in the 1960's.
One of the Star Trek episodes that was filmed at
the rocks was "Arena" which is
most remembered for Captain Kirk's fight with the lizard man
who hisses like an angry tea kettle. You remember the one?
We were surprised to
discover that most of the battle between Kirk and the Gorn
captain was filmed in the Vasquez parking lot. Guess you
wouldn't want to go too far in a desert wearing a rubber
suit!
As well, the Star Trek episodes "Shore
Leave" (that's the one where Sulu fights the
samurai), "Alternative Factor" and
"Friday's Child" all had segments
shot here.
"Who Watches the Watchers?", an episode of Star Trek - The Next Generation was filmed here, and Marina Sirtis (who played Deanna Troi) reportedly had a hard time with the heat, which reached over 100 degrees.
Another Star Trek-type
movie that had a scene filmed here was the independent film "Free
Enterprise," which was about a group of
dysfunctional Trekkies living in southern California. (no
comments from the peanut gallery, please..)
One thing to remember when visiting the park is
to pack along some water - or you'll get real thirsty.
The Rangers' station has a pop machine, though.
Also, if you are planning
to climb the rocks, you might want to wear some shoes with
some grip. Let's just say we discovered that the hard way.
Here Mark searches for mineral deposits. If he
can find some sulphur and some diamonds he just might be able
to stop the Gorn. That is, if a Gorn shows up.
(Unfortunately, there is no bamboo for miles...)
Historical Note - The Vasquez
rocks were actually named after a bandito whose hideout was
based at this location in the late 1800's. So, apart from
being the site of numerous Hollywood westerns, it was
actually the site of a real gunfight when the local sheriff
came to arrest Vasquez. Vasquez escaped, but was later caught
and hanged.
Austin Powers - Yes, the first Austin Powers movie also featured these famed rocks!
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Hone - here's Spock on the Rock.
The Vasquez Rocks have even appeared in animated form - here they are in an episode of Futurama, featuring the classic Star Trek actors.
The Vasquez Rocks appeared in two episodes of the Buck Rogers television series which ran from 1979 to 1981.
The shots below are from "The Flight of the War Witch" (left) and "Journey to Oasis" (right).
The rocks were also featured in the opening sequence of the first episode of Airwolf. Red Star Control was supposed located at the fictional Devil's Anvil, California but was in fact, Vasquez once more.
So, if you want to visit, how
do you get to the Vasquez Rocks?
From Los Angeles, take the I-5 northbound to the 14 east (Antelope Valley Freeway). Drive about 25 minutes then take the exit on the right to Agua Dulce Canyon Road. Once off the 14, you will turn left and drive under the freeway and across the Sierra Pacific Railroad.
There are signs to clearly guide you to the Vasquez Rock park on Escondido Canyon Road.
The park will be on your right. Oh, and by the way, there is no fee to use the park!
More Info at this link: Vasquez Rocks Natural Park Area
Second Visit - on
November 17, 2001, we visited the rocks again, this time with Quynn
Phillips who was visiting from Alberta.
Movies and TV Shows filmed at the Vasquez Rocks (from the Internet Movie Database)