Captain America and Billy didn’t screw around. (click picture for more Info)I’ve had quite a few questions via email about the route that Dennis Hopper and Peter Fonda rode in the 1969 Movie Easy Rider, and for the last couple of years I’ve ridden and researched it. The movie cemented me as a rider for life at a young age. Anyway, here it is. Since it’s a movie, it hops around a bit, but here’s the route:
If you’re gonna do this trip, do it right. A couple of tips: First off, Don’t sell coke to finance your trip. If you do, don’t tell anyone. Definitely don’t put coke money in your gas tank, because It’ll lower your gas mileage. If you want to go to Mexico and pretend to buy coke in an old truck, knock yourself out. Put it in 2 motorcycle batteries and go sell it to Someone who looks like Phil Spector in front of the runway at LAX. Phil would probably still buy it from you, but he’s busy now with his murder trial. Don’t be offended if he fails to calls you back. That’s how Phil rolls.
Technically, you could start at LAX, but the real riding started in Death Valley. They we’re caging it in LAX. If you know the whole story of Billy and Wyatt they were headliners, baby (and for top dollar too). They had a stunt riding side show and decided to bust out, make a run for the big cash and go looking for America.
Start out by going to Death Valley. Ballarat, Specifically. Ballarat is a pretty cool place, with it’s own bit of history like the gravestone of Seldom Seen Slim, and the Barker Ranch where Charles Manson family laid low after the nights they made the history books. Tex Watson’s truck is still there.
Be sure to take your watch and chuck it by the side of the road because if you’re going on this ride, You need to disregard time. It’s Easy Rider man, don’t screw this up. Find the house, and you’ll know what to do.
Ok, Watch this. It’s gonna set the tone for this whole run you’re gonna make:
Fire all of your guns at once and explode into space brother. Lets go.
Ride on out of Ballarat and head down through Boron California (Home of 20 Mule Team Borax and the Movie Erin Brockovich). Be sure and stop at the museum there in Boron, it’s actually pretty cool. Then head to Barstow. From Barstow, head east on 1-40, staying on as much of Route 66 as possible, because that would be the route they took since 1-40 wasn’t officially designated until 1984. In 1969, it was all route 66 baby! It’s pretty well marked and If you need more mappage of what the road was like in the route 66 heyday, there’s quite a bit here. I ride it at least 3 to 5 times a year, and it’s pretty well documented on this site. Kick the tires and look around.
Anyway, head toward Amboy. Stop at Roy’s and get gas, because you know they stopped there with 2 gallon Peanut gas tanks. Roy’s is one of the coolest places on the mother road. Take some pictures of the 50’s retro sign and head on down the road. Roy’s is a route 66 original and is in the process of getting resurrected to it’s former glory. Roy’s is the Shit.
Keep riding through Route 66, stay to your right and get back on Interstate 40. head up through downtown Needles and back onto Interstate 40.
If you want to check out a cool scene from the movie get off past needles at Park Moabi. All the old buildings are gone now, but you’ll recognize this scene: Ride it.
Get back on 1-40 (It mostly lines up as Route 66 from 1966 to 1974) and cross the Mighty Colorado river at the state line. You’ll notice the bridges there, even though they’ve changed a bit since 1969. If you don’t, re-watch the credits of the movie again. You should recognize it immediately if you’re paying attention. This was the part of the movie that I knew I was an Easy Rider fan for life. Bust out your Steppenwolf, and dig where you are going. You’re an Easy Rider.
Keep going on 1-40. At Kingman, get off the freeway and follow the signs to ride the longest uninterrupted stretch of Route 66 that still remains today. It ran from the 1920’s until 1979. It’s well marked, just follow the signs.
The place where Billy and Wyatt fixed their bike tire and had lunch was supposedly in Valentine Arizona. I’ve found no evidence of this, but it makes sense, since Valentine is an Indian Reservation (“my wife’s a catholic, ya know” – Remember that scene?) Granted, this was on Day two of the movie, and you still haven’t gotten through the movie credit part of the ride, but that’s how movies go. Valentine is on the Hualapai Indian Reservation and is on route 66. The terrain also looks the same. I’m a bettin’ man, and I bet it was there. I also have hundreds of behind the scenes pictures that a photographer took while they were filming the movie. It’s in there, somewhere, I just haven’t found it yet.
Head through Valentine, stop at the Grand Canyon Caverns (its cool), then go into Seligman. Stop at the Snow Cap at the edge of town and eat the best hamburger with the best service you’ve ever had. The Snow Cap has been there since the 50’s. It’s another route 66 icon. Don’t get on the freeway yet at Seligman, ask any local where Crookton road is and head down that instead to stay on what was route 66 until 1979. You’ll squeeze out another 16 miles of route 66 on a great road if you do it my way, when the signs told you to get back on the interstate. It’s what Captain America and Billy would have done.
Get off the freeway and ride through Williams Arizona when you see the signs. Williams is the last town to be officially bypassed in 1984 by interstate 40, so you gotta see it. It’s still got the flavor of how it was in 1969. You’ll dig it. Get back on Interstate 40 East when you’re done, and head on down the highway…
By the time you hit Bellemont, pull off. Get some free coffee at the Harley dealership, stop at the bar and grille next door and hear the pitch about it being the original No Vacancy Sign hanging as you walk into the bar. Since I’m giving you this information completely free of charge, I think it would be a nice touch for you to order a Guinness in the name of Mr Zip, flirt with the bartender and head a quarter mile up the road to the Pine Breeze Motel to see where billy and Wyatt we’re denied a room their first night. The bartender gal there is a sweetheart, and I’m fairly short and reasonably ugly. You’ll do better than I did.
Ask the bartender if you can pull out a sleeping bag at the Pine Breeze, or ask the current proprietor at the Pine Breeze if he’s there. If you want to be hardcore you’ll sleep a few miles up the road by a campfire; If you want to stay where Dennis and Peter stayed, get back on the freeway and head the 10 miles into flagstaff and stay at the Americana Inn. You have a choice: Stay where Billy and Wyatt camped in the movie, or stay where actors and crew in real life slept. Either way, I don’t care. If you’ve come this far, you’re obviously a biker I’d love to ride with. It’s ALL good. You’re goin’ down to Mardi Gras to get you a Mardi Gras Queen. Start yourself a fire and kick back.
500 biker points if you sleep by the side of the road. If you’re a rich urban biker in your new Harley leathers, playing easy rider for the weekend, stay at the Americana Inn. This is an easy Rider Journey, man up and sleep under the stars. When you get to New Orleans you can get a real room and bust out some of that cash and get a groovy dinner. Right now, you gotta start this out right.
Funny story. Peter Fonda told the story of staying the night at the Americana Inn and his arms we’re so stiff from ape hanging on a hard tail all day, that he couldn’t pull his beer up to his mouth. He’d also put his leathers in the bathtub and soaked them down to give them a more weathered look, so at the end of the day his legs we’re black from the dye.
Route 66 ends where Interstate 40 cuts it off not far past the Pine Breeze inn, so double back and head East on 1-40 towards Flagstaff. Get off at Deer Farm exit and road and ride up through Parks Arizona to get back on old 66 and ride down the main street in Flagstaff a few miles later if you really want to stay true to route. Turn south on highway 89 at Flag. When you see the sign for Sunset Crater, head east there and Ride up through Waputki National Monument, Pick up a hippie (there may be one, I don’t know for sure). Queue “I wasn’t born to follow” on your ipod for the full effect.
That part, may be the best ride of your trip.
You’ll need to ride clear through Waputki, double back and get back on 89 and head south to stop at the Sacred Mountain Gas Station. It used to be a gas station, but now it’s the home of someone. He’s a pretty cool guy. He will more than likely tell you some good stories. He may not. Not many people notice his house nowadays, and you may get shot. I don’t know. Either way, you’re on an adventure. Tell the hippie on your bitch saddle he owes you a tank of gas.
From Sacred Mountain, head north. Hit “the weight” by the band and listen to it as you ride. It’s a great song. Turn at hwy 16o and ride through Monument valley at dusk if you time it right. In the movie, that road ends up at Wupatki, but in real life it’s doesn’t. You’re probably not riding a hard tail chopper, so keep going until you hit Farmington New Mexico and crash for the night. Drink beer, laugh, do whatever. At this point you’re well into your easy rider trip.
If you want to be hardcore and drop off the hippie, you’ll have to swing a bit wide and head into the Malibu hills in California and look for a commune. Mulholland to be exact. Good luck finding one. Dennis Hopper wanted to film at the New Buffalo Commune, but Wavy Gravy and his people weren’t into it, so the re-created the commune in the hills of Malibu. Look for Dan Haggerty. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, then you haven’t watched the movie Easy rider and you’re a pussy. Put your Mike’s Hard lemonade down, Turn your bike around, and head back to LA. Go eat sushi and buy yourself a Vespa.
Head into Taos. There’s several scenes in Taos: Check out the Taos Pueblo and you’ll see some stuff there. They also shot the inside Jail scenes in Taos, even though I’ve never found the location. The opening scene where they bought the drugs was shot here as well (not in Mexico).
From Taos, head into Las Vegas New Mexico. You’ll see the jail if you’re looking. Parade without a license here, because thats where that scene was shot. The outside of the jail, and the spot where Jack Nicholson (George) took his first drink of the day was here as well.
Take some Jim Beam With you, for obvious reasons. Toast to ol’ D.H. Lawrence (the crew supposedly slept on his grave the night before in Taos) NIC NIC NIC FUT FUT FUT!…… INDIANS! That’s right, you know what I’m talking about. Dream of the finest whorehouse in the south at Madam Tinkertoys House of Blue Lights. These are no porkchops, these are Grade A Prime…
The “If you wanna be a bird” sequence by the Holy Modal Rounders was filmed through Coyote New Mexico.
Remember, stop somewhere while listening to “don’t bogart that Joint” and pee on the side of the road. Anyplace will work when you’re riding. Also: You better not be wearing fingerless gloves and assless chaps man, not on this trip.
The rest of the route is a bit Hazy until you hit Morganza Louisiana. In 1969, the film crew was advised against being a long hair in the South, but Dennis Hopper was determined to do whatever he wanted film wise, so they went anyway. Not much is filmed in Texas as far as I can see, so head toward Morganza. If you can find the Cafe in Morganza where the young girls and the sheriff and rednecks we’re, you’re a better man than me, because the locals who knew the place said it got torn down a couple of years ago. In October 2010 they put up a plaque at the site of Melanchon’s Cafe to commemorate the making of the movie and the locals that were involved. Keep riding, it’s pretty easy to get a feel of 1969 Morganza.
The rednecks in Morganza were real locals. Dennis told the crew to tell them that he, Jack and Peter had raped a girl outside of town before they started filming to get a real reaction of hate from them. One thing to remember, is other that a loose premise, Easy Rider wasn’t scripted. They made it up as they went, and most of the cast would tell you that Dennis Hopper was generally insane in those days. Dennis later said when they rode off from the Cafe scene that was the one time they were scared and wondered if they pushed it too far. They’d heard stories of long hairs getting whacked in Texas and Louisiana. You shouldn’t have the same problem, unless you get way out of line. Head south.
Dig:
Head south out of Morganza, Hit the 190 and then west till you hit Opelousas, then south. If you’re ready, you’ll have Jimi Hendrix Queued as you hit Franklin Louisiana. Remember the song? Thats right old-schoolers, if a six became a nine. Find the bridge, stop, and queue that puppy for proper listening.
I want to thank my Cajun Friend Johnny for the modern day pictures of Franklin. You sir, are the man. I owe you a round of beers Man.
One more Shot.
Then head on into New Orleans. Go to where Mardi Gras is. Now its time for Madam Tinkertoy and Groovy Dinners. Its Mecca man! You’ve reached the Glory Hole. Party like a rockstar, do whatever you do, because tomorrow you’re going to get shot by a short redneck with a Goiter on his neck. I’m not trying to be a downer, I’m just sayin’. It could happen. You’re almost there.
The scenes in Mardis Gras we’re filmed a month after Mardis Gras had ended. The parade scenes they shot with friends and some stock footage. Watch the movie again and you’ll notice. They also shot these scenes first. You may have better luck with Mardi Gras then they did if you time it right.
While you’re in Nawlins, pull out your 80’s CD of Tony Basil singing “mickey”. C’mon, you know you have one. In 1969 she played a prostitute in Easy Rider. In the 80’s, she was a one hit wonder with fat cheerleaders. Hey Mickey!
Once you had your fill of New Orleans, Double back and head towards Krotz Springs Louisiana. You’ll notice the Levees on LA 105. Hit your odometer, and the final spot is almost exactly 3 miles up the road. That’s where this great movie ends, only you’ll survive. Now’s the time to bust out a cigar if you have one, because you made it to the end of the movie. Call a loved one and tell em you’re coming home. Queue the ballad of easy rider and head on out of town. You’re gonna retire in Florida Mister! If a man with a goiter shows, get the hell out of there.
This thread is over. Im going to end it all of a sudden, just like my favorite Movie, Easy Rider. Don’t blow it.
An amazing piece about a movie with a place in my heart. Easy Rider had a feel about it
that could only come from the late sixties- a vibe that stays with you forever.And i was a child when made. And i live in England.Hoppy i salute you rip
I have been texting with Fonda on Facebook and he says the campsite where George is killed is close to Morganza !
If you look in the movie, its the same guys in the cafe who whacked George. They wouldn\’t haul them across the state to make that scene.
Good point ! I need to try to find this site ! Maybe Fonda can narrow it down !
I have a question about your route as it is mapped from Shiprock to Hwy 555.
I lived on the Navajo reservation some 20-25 miles south of Farmington, NM and there were no roads that close to the San Juan River's south side that would have connected Farmington to 555, EXCEPT for the road where I lived. That road would have been 10-15 miles further south than what your map shows. It would also mean that the film crews drove dirt roads when they could have been on asphalt, running faster than they could have on the hardpan.
From Coyote New Mexico, to Louisana I have very little information. Its not in the movie. I can’t even find any in some of the outtake pictures that never made the movie, so If I was being honest on that section of road I guessed. I’ve read things from part of the crew that said they avoided Texas altogether, and I’ve heard rumors they didn’t, but I haven’t confirmed that, and that would effect the roads. What I’d need to do is find a map of road alignments that existed in 1968 when they filmed, and try and match it up the best way I could. I keep thinking I would like to do that, but I haven’t. To be honest, the more I dig into Easy Rider, the more I find new things and it keeps delaying me writing another update. Thanks for the info, if you know something about this, please email alan@mrzip66.com.
Before they camp at Waputki National Monument there is a panning shot taken from where the View Motel now stands in Monument Valley. Should that be part of the route?
Hey Jim…. yah, thats part of the Route. Hopper was in a huge hurry to get to those scenes by dusk, and IMO they're some of the best shots of the film.
Wow what a trip… Easy Rider was the making of who I wanted to be as a young man and being 17 with a motorcycle I watched that film more times when it opened in the UK than any other since… Still does.. and.. after 46 years I today put my money down on my first Harley as always been top of my bucket list. Admittedly its not a Capt America bike but have allowed myself the comfort of a new Road Glide as I get to ache a little more easily than in 1969! Long live the Easy Riders of the world and thanks so much for this tour of their route
I saw that movie in a drive-in; On a 57 Triumph that I rode in through the exit.
Does anyone have the GPS coordinates for the movie ending?
If you get off levee road from Krotz springs, heading north its about 3 miles up. They shot all along there.
Go to Youtube and you can find the ending scene:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjYAEtO-Ohk
Go to the end of the film where the credits start to roll and pause the film (3:41) This aerial view is looking south. Billy’s bike is laying in the road at 30.572450,-91.762055. Wyatt’s burning bike: 30.572890,-91.761673. Across the road from Wyatt’s burning bike is a bayou, or swampy stream that is still visible on google maps: 30.573422, -91.762109. In the film, Billy’s bike is laying in the road south of a gate with a dirt pull-out area. The gate and fence are gone, but the dirt pull-out area is still visible: 30.572585, -91.761909.
The film contains errors in the filming along this stretch of road where they are gunned down that don’t make sense as far as the timeline of events and their location. For example, go to (1:50) of the Youtube video and pause. If you look off in the distance to the left of the road you can the faint outline of a white house with a peaked roof. That house is still exists today and located at 30.576499, -91.759712. But they had already be gunned down farther to the south as the aerial view and other scenes indicate. Irregardless, I am very confident in the GPS coordinates I gave above.
Where was the Hotsprings? Not in Wupatki.
Hey Carrie, they\’re in Taos. Ask any local and they can tell you where they are.
That movie gives lots of nostalgic feelings! Sadly I live too far from those places.
thanks…now i just need my ame bolt on chopper kit…and hit the road…seriously…thank you
Pingback: LA MADRE DE TODAS LAS ROAD MOVIES - - JaviYPilar.com
Nice research on the movie.
HOG Magazine did a feature story (# 014 in 2012) of a trip a friend of mine and I made across the southwest to the Grand Canyon in 1972. My bike was a 1956 H D panhead chopper / stock motor / 11 inch over springer / custom paint, etc. My buddy was on a bone stock Sportster. Check out the magazine for the article. If you can’t find it and would like it, I can send you the electronic file of the entire story done by HOG. By the way, we camped out at night off the road, built camp fires, etc.
Far out man! I was just lookin for a map and got so much more.Leavin the FLHTCU at home here in LA and taking the sportster out there next year for Mardi Gras. Been many times but having just moved to LA from Texas thought it would be a great idea! Thanks for all the back story. It will be that much better of a ride.
It seems like the film is in no sequence to the roads…. If the cafe was in Morganza and they are going South to N.O., they shouldn't be riding through Franklin first… There's lots of other out-of-sequence shots, so I' guess I'll just ride the route for the scenery and history, and not worry about following the sequence..
Good call. The film isn\’t in sequence to the roads. It was a film, so they came in to any sequence from the best shot. The film crew came in from the north of morganza, but in Easy Rider they came in from the south.
So Im sitting here after football Sunday killing some time and I start watching Easy Rider for the nth time. The memories of that era came flooding back. I was wondering where the cafe scene was filmed so I do a search on that and here I am. I remembered buying a Triumph 650 Bonneville (could not afford Harley) which I put an Easy Rider front end on. It was bitchin' to ride.
Dude your blog is just great….it put smiles on my face….thanks
nice post thank you for sharing
Thanks for this great blog! Thats a big dream: ditch the watch and ride the Easy Rider Route on a Harley with a friend.
Hope this comes true one day.
This is what I wanted. Rode Route 66 last year, promised myself this run for my 60th birthday (2021) if I make it that far. OK, little older than the boys, but what the hell. Thanks for the great research.
P.S. Just a thought from that 66 run last year – way back in Illinois, the 'Launching Pad' restaurant by the Gemini Giant had gone out of business. So had Danny's Gas Hole by the Red Rocker. So had half-a-dozen other less well-known but iconic stops, Granny's Closet (Flagstaff) for example. Even Roy's was looking on it's last legs. So no pleasure in seeing places shutting down. But can't resist the comment that in my experience, even the amazing Mr Zip has got one thing the wrong way round 🙂 … if you're a wuss, camp out near the Americana… If you're a hard man, stay at the Inn. You'll find out why, and so will the bed bugs. You have been warned.
The Launching Pad is open now. It may have closed for a while. I moved away in 1993 and first went back that way last summer. It is definitely in operation and Gemini Giant still stands watch.
Where was the place they swam at?
I would like to know where the swimming scene were filmed. It would be good to wash the dust off there.
It\’s in Taos. It\’s kinda tricky to find and flooding has changed it a bit, but it\’s still there.
The swimming scene is in Taos New Mexico as well as the commune new buffalo you can see it still standing as you drive down to the hot springs the hoppers are from Taos Dennis brother David and his niece Rebecca hopper n cousin Dwayne n family peace love and lsd my friend from Taos nm
The rock that Fonda leaned back on had seashell fossils on it. Where is that?
Its in the Malibu Hills…. It\’s all been developed now, but the rock is still there.
Can you please advise where you think this rock is..by my reckoning the hippie commune would have been on what is now Rotunda Mesa Road on the knoll where it sweeps at the bend near the end of the road. The location is definitely correct, but not one 100% on where the commune was situated. Does this sound correct!?.
Ironically, the banana and peanut tanks on both panhead choppers only held about 2 gallons as did the ironhead in Then Came Bronson (tv-pilot movie debuted before Easy Rider). Would be interesting to compare the number of gas stations on that route today vs 1968 when filming was finished. OTOH, the route for Then Came Bronson tv pilot movie was flip-flopped all over the place which makes it difficult to track.
that\’s be way interesting. I guided a tour a few years back where we rode the whole route and took a captain replica — we ran it out of gas a couple of times. it doesn\’t take much. Good call on then came Bronson. I have all the episodes on my computer…. I should upload em. Fun to watch how it was back in the day.
I’d pay money to have those episodes!
Hi MrZip66…we're not worthy, we're not worthy…but thank God there is a group of people with the same fascination…I'm in New Zealand about as far away for the US as you can get in location and culture…I've watched this movie a million times…I would actually say it pretty much changed my life (dramatic huh), but it's true…the one thing I want to get confirmation on is the location of the commune..it's easy enough to find that it was filmed in Malibu on the internet but the exact location never seems to be revealed or any photo's of what it looks like now.
Armed with this info I spent an unhealthy amount of hours on Google Earth, when I found the general location it was pretty clear..distinctive ridge line beside the commune, the silver/grey industrial complex in the distance etc…but the hard part is the exact site the commune was on…I'm pretty sure I've got it right but would love some confirmation. Obviously the road has been build around the location, but was probably a little dirt road previously (the same road they would have ridden down to get to the commune), you have the location, the field to the top right hand side, the incline behind the location where the Combi van would have been parked at the top…and of course the sea shell rock…which in theory should be one of the couple of large ones in Google Maps..
Seem about right!??…if the link doesn't work then basically it's on Rotunda Mesa Road.
Many thanks for the website MrZip
On the map you have Kingman to Williams on I40.
To get to Grand Canyon Caverns you have to go 66 out of Kingman.
66 intersects with I40 outside of Willians Az.
Thanks
The Map keeps reverting back to I-40, but if you read the blog I explain that.
Awesome, just awesome. Thanks.
Fantastic posting man thanks for such a great job! Wonder if I could still make this ride. Maybe I'll find out.
Buddy and I have been riding together close to 60 yrs. now. We have burnt our share of Dunlop’s up over the years, we’ve laughed, lied and pretty much pickled our livers, still we have one common love and its the feel of the wind in our faces and the excitement of what Mother Earth will provide for us around that next corner. Road the old Iron horse 1/2 around the world and now getting old and have 1 good ride maybe left and figured out never made the Route 66 Ride. Thanks to your detailed work looks like this is the one we will make as our last. Just wanted you to know these 2 old Chrome headed old guys appreciate your time Little Brother-Ride Safe
This was great-very interesting and well-done! One question I have…Monument Valley is in southern UT and from the looks of the map, they didn’t go into Utah at all. In fact, seems odd that they would go north just to go back down into NM. Did I miss something in your description? I can see why the filmmakers would love to have the iconic Monument Valley in the movie, but…
Anyway, the best part of the movie was the scenery and the music (especially the music). Having grown up during those days (I was in 9th grade when this was released), I am so over the whole hippie thing. Much of it was bogus (the love, man) and dumb (like the commune dwellers). Also, one must wonder if we were supposed to believe that every white redneck was a potential killer at all times. Geez.
Don’t pay too much attention to that map — i Keep fixing it, and it keeps changing. The fact is, you can’t go into Monument Valley from the south and Not go into Utah. I don’t put too much weight in some of the stuff of the movie: For me, its a period piece and its the ride itself that was inspiring and always has been.
Pingback: Day 13 – Taos to Roswell – Hardtailchop
Great Job!!! Next year, 2019, I turn 65 and my buddy will be 60, and along with a personal invite to about 5 or 6 more men, including 2 son in laws that I love, we are working out the details on taking this trip. It will be on all rigids, small tanks and all. Camping as much as this old body can handle. We plan to follow your route. Thanks!!!
BTW, I publish a magazine in Daytona Beach, FL but hail from KY, where my friend and family is. We plan on blogging this, as well as do a write up for my magazine (which is pretty much local, except for subscriptions) as well as for a couple other Chopper Mags. Thanks again for all the info. Be blessed!!!
Cochise CHOPS Magazine
This is awesome! I’m going to take my boy on this run when he’s older and I appreciate your detailed account!
Tremendous write up! Love it, pure Americana at its best. Really enjoyed the detailed photos of the gas stations and La Contenta. Talk about “reflection” of what was and it today. Very cool to see the effort placed on keeping the route accurate. Look forward to more!
fascinating, you did a great job, any pictures of the ranch were they fixed the flat tire?
Not yet. But I’ve found the ranch and working with the owners to get access to the property. Soon!
Valentine?
Pingback: Peter Fonda, known for his iconic role in "Easy Rider," dies at 79 - Route 66 News
Thanks for the guidance – a mate and I did this trip in April this year and loved it. We also did a detour to Grand Canyon before we got to flagstaff as it was close. Cheers from the UK.
Hi
I am a french biker and have already drove several times in the Wild West of the US. Unfortunately, this year, I couldn’t cause of covid pandemic. So, I’d like a bit of help because I am looking for an aera to drive next year (I hope!). Could you tell me please, if you know, where are located these beautiful landscapes (small and high hills in a kind of desert , colors from yellow to pink and red) we can see in the movie along the song “the Weight”
Thank you so much for your help
Regards
John
Hello JEAN (JOHN) PEYRONNEAU,
I presume the wide-angle sweeping shot with Wyatt, Billy, and “The Stranger” heading up around a bend and disappearing behind the pink-ish bluffs is what you are asking for…..From Flagstaff, AZ, head north on US 89; Turn right (east) on US 160 (Tuba City airport). Immediately, there is the wide-sweeping northerly bend of the road. That’s the shot.
Thanks for a great write up! I’m going to try riding to most of these locations as I’m out. Turns out I’ve been by quite a few without even knowing it!
Thanks, Have a blast out there!
Great info, glad I googled “Easy Rider Route map”!
One question — any idea where the hot springs are where Pete and Dennis hung out with the commune girls? You mention that the commune scene was filmed around Malibu — are the springs around there as well? A beautiful hot spring wherever it is…
Many thanks
Hey Ken, the spring scenes were filmed it Taos.
Just came across this, great stuff. Makes me want to road trip again like I did in my wasted youth on a Sportster.
Amazing job on this! Loved all the links.
Thank you for a great trip I’d love to do, but can’t RN. You didn’t stop at Dennis Hoppers grave in Taos??? It was just 8 miles away from the Cantina. Shame!!!
Pingback: NoCo IMRG Informer Newsletter (April 2024) - Northern Colorado IMRG
Great page man, enjoyed the information and obviously very helpful. I’m looking to ride this route backwards from Florida this year to meet up with friends in LA and ride Route 66 back. This will help
me build my trip … backwards 😆
Thanks Brother.