Saddle Trails and Silver Screens: San Diego’s Western Legacy

Yeehaw! Whether you called them spaghetti westerns or just westerns, at one point, these were the only types of films that were available to watch and San Diego played a part.

San Diego County’s unique landscapes, from rugged deserts to dramatic coastlines, have made it an ideal location for Western films and TV shows over the years. The region’s vast, untamed scenery has served as a backdrop for a wide array of productions, helping bring the iconic American West to life. From La Mesa to the Lone Ranger let’s dive into the history of Westerns filmed in San Diego County, from Hollywood’s early days to more modern productions.

**Note these are only some of the films and TV shows that were filmed in the area.

1. Flying “A” Studios (1911-1920s)

In the early days of Hollywood, Flying “A” Studios, part of the American Film Manufacturing Co., became a significant part of San Diego County’s film history. Between 1911 and the 1920s, Flying “A” filmed numerous Westerns in areas like Lakeside and La Mesa. Early films such as A Daughter of Liberty (1911) and A Trooper’s Heart (1911) used the stunning natural landscapes of the region as the perfect setting for their Western tales. The Grossmont area later became a popular location for other film projects, further solidifying San Diego’s place in the history of Western cinema.

Internet searches suggest under the direction of Allan Dwan, Flying “A” Studios produced over 150 films in San Diego County, mainly Westerns, comedies, and occasional documentaries.

The studio’s popular Westerns kept Dwan and his crew busy, fueling large advertising campaigns and allowing them to expand their film output. Filming primarily took place in the backcountry near La Mesa, though some sets were built on-site at the Flying A production buildings. Dwan often crafted storylines around cowboy chase scenes.

In July 1912, the film company closed its La Mesa studio and relocated to Santa Barbara, seeking better access to urban settings. The Santa Barbara studio quickly became a major hub for film production, rivaling Hollywood, especially after the closure of the company’s Chicago office. Between 1912 and 1917, Flying “A” Studios was one of the largest movie studios in the U.S., cementing Santa Barbara’s place as a key California film center.

2. Frank Capra’s Flight (1929)

Though not a Western, Frank Capra’s Flight (1929) deserves mention for its use of San Diego County landscapes. This early aerial drama filmed scenes in Fallbrook, La Mesa, and El Cajon, showcasing the area’s expansive and rugged terrain. The film, which focused on aerial battles, still featured key elements of the landscapes that were later associated with the Western genre, providing a link to San Diego’s early cinematic legacy.

3. The Lone Ranger (1949-1957)

The classic TV series The Lone Ranger filmed several episodes in San Diego County. Airing from 1949 to 1957, the show followed the adventures of the masked lawman (Clayton Moore) and his sidekick, Tonto (Jay Silverheels). The vast desert landscapes and rugged terrain of East County San Diego were used to portray the lawless environment of the Old West. The show’s connection to San Diego further cemented the region’s association with Westerns in the golden age of television.

4. Tales of Wells Fargo (1957-1962)

Another notable TV series filmed in San Diego County was Tales of Wells Fargo (1957-1962). This show starred Dale Robertson as Jim Hardie, a Wells Fargo agent, and featured numerous episodes shot in San Diego’s desert regions. The series utilized the county’s expansive landscapes to authentically portray the Old West, adding to the county’s reputation as a prime Western filming location during the 1950s.

5. The Cisco Kid (1950s)

The 1950s TV show The Cisco Kid, based on O. Henry’s popular character, filmed parts of its episodes in San Diego County. The show, which followed Cisco (Duncan Renaldo), and his sidekick Pancho (Leo Carillo), took advantage of San Diego’s diverse and rugged landscapes to bring the Old West to life. The use of San Diego County’s terrain helped set the stage for the show’s thrilling adventures and further contributed to the region’s association with Westerns.

6. Renegade (1992-1997)

Fast forward to the 1990s, Renegade (1992-1997) filmed several episodes in San Diego County, specifically in Lakeside. The show, which starred Lorenzo Lamas as a bounty hunter, was deeply rooted in Western themes. It captured the spirit of the Old West with action-packed scenes filmed against the stunning desert backdrops of San Diego’s East County, giving the series a distinctly Western atmosphere.

7. The Man from the Rio Grande (1912)

Another early Western film shot in San Diego County was The Man from the Rio Grande (1912). Produced by the American Film Manufacturing Co., this silent Western was filmed in La Mesa and surrounding areas. Like many early Westerns, it utilized the natural beauty of San Diego’s landscapes to create an authentic frontier setting.

8. The Trail of the Eucalyptus (1911)

Also filmed in the La Mesa area, The Trail of the Eucalyptus (1911) is a silent Western that used the region’s natural surroundings to create its depiction of the Old West. This early film is part of the wave of productions that helped establish San Diego County as a viable filming location for Westerns during Hollywood’s infancy.

Why San Diego County?

San Diego County has long been known for its scenic beauty and diverse landscapes, which have made it a favorite destination for filmmakers—especially for Westerns. From the rugged deserts of East County like the Anza-Borrego Desert to the rolling hills and coastal landscapes, the region’s natural terrain offers a perfect backdrop for tales of the Old West. These films and TV shows, spanning from the early 1900s to the 1990s, have left a lasting legacy on San Diego’s film history and its connection to the Western genre.

With its rich cinematic history and stunning natural landscapes, San Diego County continues to be a hidden gem for Western enthusiasts and filmmakers alike.

Sources:

• East County Californian: Coverage on Flying “A” Studios and early Western films filmed in Lakeside and La Mesa.
• San Diego Explorer: Detailed articles on Renegade and Tales of Wells Fargo filming locations.
• IMDb: Verified filming locations for The Lone Ranger, The Cisco Kid, and Renegade in San Diego County.
• San Diego Historical Society: Insights into early Western film productions in San Diego County.
• Classic TV History: Information on The Cisco Kid and Tales of Wells Fargo, including their filming locations in San Diego.

Debbie L. Sklar is a contributing editor to the Times of San Diego. For more historical stories about Hollywood’s Golden Age visit here.