Photo by Janeen Christoff
Not all "Star Wars" locations are in far off exotic locales. Here's a look at three famous "Star Wars" filming locations you can visit right here in the United States.
Redwood National Park
Not just any forest would do when it came to choosing a location for the Ewok's lush home of Endor in "Return of the Jedi." After scouting several locations, George Lucas finally settled on California's epic Redwood National Park. Most of the scenes in the movies were shot on private land owned by the lumber company Miller-Rellim, but some background scenery for chase scenes was also filmed in Owen R. Cheatham Grove in Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park and Smith River.
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Yuma Desert
Due to budgetary constraints, producers decided to shoot some desert scenes in Buttercup Valley, CA, rather than return to Tunisia, for "Return of the Jedi." The location was used for the Great Pit of Carkoon on the Dune Sea. Filming took place in the spring of 1982 with most of the crew staying in nearby Yuma, AZ for the duration of shooting.
Death Valley
Several scenes in "A New Hope" were filmed in Death Valley, California. Stovepipe Wells, Artist's Palette, Dante's View and Desolation Canyon were all featured in the movie. There are many tours and maps online to help visitors navigate the movie's desert locations.
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Want more information about these locations and 40 more like them? Download our "Star Wars" Travel E-Guide, "From Tatooine to Hoth: The Ultimate Field Guide for Visiting a Galaxy Far, Far Away," OLV's latest Field Guide is a simple, straightforward bucket list of the best "Star Wars" filming locations, attractions and events around the world, perfect for fans who want to spend their next vacation immersed in the world of the Star Wars franchise.
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