where was true grit 1969 filmed

True Grit (1969) was primarily filmed in stunning outdoor locations across Colorado and California, capturing the rugged American West vibe that made John Wayne's Oscar-winning performance iconic. These spots brought Charles Portis's novel to life, from dusty towns to dramatic mountain showdowns.

Key Filming Sites

The bulk of the production unfolded in southwest Colorado, with some standout scenes in California's Eastern Sierra. Filming wrapped between September and December 1968, leveraging natural beauty for authenticity. Hartwell Park in Ridgway, Colorado, served as the central green square for the hanging scene and town gatherings.

• Ridgway, Colorado : Stood in for Fort Smith, Arkansas. The old railway station (now Ouray County Ranch History Museum at 321 Sherman Street) is where Mattie Ross arrives. North Lena Street featured the Fort Smith Saloon, site of her father's murder.

• Ouray, Colorado : Used for courthouse interiors and early town shots, including staircase meetings.

• Blue Mesa on Gunnison River : The ferry crossing where Mattie rides her horse Blackie to join the hunt, about 30 miles north of Ridgway.

• Owl Creek Pass (Country Road 8) : Iconic final showdown meadow with Rooster Cogburn (Wayne) vs. Ned Pepper's gang (Robert Duvall). Features Chimney Rock and Courthouse Mountain backdrop, near golden aspens.

• 60X Road off Hwy-62 : McAlester’s Store, where bodies are dropped off post-shootout.

• Ross Ranch area : Opening and ending homestead scenes, with a barn and ridge overlook.

California Highlights

Not all action stayed in Colorado. Hot Creek near Mammoth Lakes hosted the botched shootout, dugout scenes, and snakebite aftermath along the creek, with Mount Morrison and Laurel Mountain looming. This spot echoed prior films like Nevada Smith.

Then and Now Insights

Recent 2025 visits show many sites preserved—Ridgway's saloon sign lingers, meadows dazzle in fall, though some buildings faced changes like potential fires. Forums buzz with fans revisiting, noting drone-friendly vistas and ranch remnants. Colorado's Ouray-Ridgway loop remains a pilgrimage for Wayne enthusiasts.

TL;DR: Core locations cluster in Ridgway/Ouray, Colorado (towns, pass, ranch), plus Hot Creek, CA (creek action)—timeless spots still drawing visitors today.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.