8 PLACES A COWBOY WOULD LOVE TO HANG HIS HAT

Whenever you think about a western movie, what normally springs to mind? There's a tumble of tumbleweed, the town bar, people drinking, the sheriff talking to the locals, and of course, a cowboy entering through a set of swinging saloon doors. These scenes, or some of their variations, have become an iconic part of western films. But have you ever wondered where these filming locations can be found, and perhaps, want to see them for yourself, to feel like a cowboy from back in the day? Here is our list of 8 filming locations for western films.

1) Grafton Ghost Town
If you've watched 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid', then you probably know the famous "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on my Head" bike scene that took place in the Grafton Ghost Town. If you want to visit the bar, just head on out to the New Sheridan Hotel's bar, where the epic fight scene was filmed.

2) Monument Valley
Known as Tsé Biiʼ Ndzisgaii by the Navajo, which means valley of the rocks, this beautiful valley has been featured in several films, most notably, used by John Ford in a number of his best-known works. This is also where the 1950's John Wayne flick, 'The Searchers', was shot, BANG!

3) Bronson Caves in Los Angeles
If you feel like taking a break from the valley heat, just head on out to the Bronson Caves found in Los Angeles. This is another filming location that's been utilized in most westerns (from the past to the present), as its remote-looking setting (but accessible lo-cal) makes it a prime choice of location for low-budget films.

4) Glen Canyon National Recreation Area 

Ride your horse to the breath-taking view of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Fish for all types of bass in Lake Powell, located in the canyon. This is where the 1976 film, 'The Outlaw Josey Wales', starring Clint Eastwood was filmed.

5) Columbia State Historic Park

The park served as the filming location of 'High Noon'. Scenes in the park include the Wilson House (on Main Street) and in front of Engine House #2. The 1982 western 'Shadow Riders' was also filmed in this area.

6) Tree Canopy at Evergreen Plantation 

Quentin Tarantino's bloody western, 'Django Unchained', didn't just have gruesome shoot-outs. It also had the most beautiful filming locations. One such location is the Tree Canopy at Evergreen Plantation.

7) Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park

This park is where the bad guy, Hedley Lamarr, gave a speech to his gang in the classic comedy, 'Blazing Saddles'. In a film shot mostly on sound-stages, this location gives realism to one of the instrumental scenes in the film.

8) Ouray County Courthouse

Ride on to the courthouse to prove if you've got True Grit. The old movie shot some of its scenes in this location. If you're feeling hungry, you can also visit the True Grit Cafe named in honor of the film. For the 2010 remake, the courthouse used was the just as historic Old Blanco County House.