Best time to visit California

Pioneertown in California

An elaborate film set​ built in the 1940s in the desert as a Wild West facade for several Western films

Best time: October–June

Pioneertown
Pioneertown
Pioneertown
Pioneertown

Pioneertown was founded by actor Dick Curtis in 1946 as an 1880's Old West filming set. It was supposed to be a place for production companies to stay while also serving as homes in movies. The site was used to film hundreds of Westerns movies and television shows, including The Cisco Kid and Edgar Buchanan's Judge Roy Bean. The place can be accessed via California State Route 62, just four miles northeast of Yucca Valley, California.

"Mane Street" in downtown Pioneertown is open to the public for free year round. On weekends from October 1st through the end of June on the second and fourth Saturday of each month, it hosts the "Mane Street Stampede Wild West Show" with live music and reenactments.

One of the most famous buildings in Pioneertown is Pappy & Harriet's Palace, a longtime local club and landmark, which was constructed within the town's original and only gas station. The dark brick building has hosted stars like Gene Autry and Roy Rogers—the saloon has been in over 50 films. It is now a popular spot for live music with some biker vibes. The club was frequently attended by notable musicians like Eric Burdon, the Arctic Monkeys, Rufus Wainwright, and Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin.

Practical info

What can be found in California's Pioneertown?

Pioneertown is an Old West filming set, established in the 1940s to serve as a Wild West facade for numerous Western films. It is a complete western community located in the desert near Yucca Valley, California. Actor Dick Curtis, who constructed the facility, primarily envisioned it as a place where studios could film Westerns without creating new temporary sets for each production. Several hundred Western movies and TV shows have been filmed there. Show more

Who was responsible for creating Pioneertown?

Dick Curtis, a renowned actor, established Pioneertown in 1946. The visionary actor constructed the set to become a complete western community that was both genuine and useful for filming. Curtis chose a desert location near Yucca Valley, California, and constructed over 60 buildings that were ideal for numerous Western films and TV shows. The facility was intended to offer studios an opportunity to shoot Westerns without having to spend money on temporary sets repeatedly. Show more

What is the significance of 'Mane Street' in Pioneertown?

Visitors are welcome to stroll through Pioneertown's 'Mane Street' at any time throughout the year. It is the town's central street, providing a background for many Western films and TV shows. The name of the street is inspired by the Wild West theme, utilizing 'mane' instead of 'main.' Every second and fourth Saturday from October to June, the 'Mane Street Stampede Wild West Show' hosts reenactments and live music, making it a must-attend event for anyone visiting the area. Show more

Which building is the most popular in Pioneertown?

The famous Pappy & Harriet's Palace building is the top-rated destination in Pioneertown. Although it was originally a gas station, it now functions as a western-style bar and restaurant. It has served famed stars like Gene Autry and Roy Rogers and also appeared in over 50 films. With live music and some biker vibes, Pappy & Harriet's Palace is an unforgettable experience for visitors. From Americana to rock music, some of the world's most excellent musicians grace the stage, making it a must-visit location. Show more

Which world-famous musicians have performed in Pappy & Harriet's Palace?

Pappy & Harriet's Palace, the most popular spot in Pioneertown, attracts the world's most incredible music artists. It has had a variety of famous musicians performing live in its venue, including Arctic Monkeys, Rufus Wainwright, and Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin. The artists who perform there range from Americana to rock, providing visitors with diverse musical experiences. Pappy & Harriet's Palace has a rich history of fascinating the world's most renowned musicians, making it a popular destination for tourists visiting Pioneertown. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin