I have seen this rock formation in countless TV shows and movies, both recent and many decades old. It is usually used as a setting for Science Fiction and/or Western genre shows. I assume it must be somewhere near Los Angeles because it is used so frequently. Is it a state park somewhere?
Scene: Star Trek TOS: Arena - "Gorn Rock"
Where: Vasquez Rocks, California
What: Captain Kirk and a Gorn are teleported to the surface of an alien planet where they must fight to the death. A huge slab of rock jutting out of the desert makes for one of the most recognisable duels in sci-fi history. There are numerous references in popular culture to the fight scene, particularly in regards to "Gorn Rock" itself, amongst them being Bill and Ted's death scene in Bogus Journey and in Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back. Gorn Rock and the surrounding area are still used as the settings for film and TV programs, but the site is still popular with hikers and orienteering.
How: The Los Angeles Orienteering Club still run yearly trips to the rocks, or find directions on the Vasquez Rocks Wiki entry.
Vasquez Rocks may the most photographed rock formation in the movies, appearing especially in a multitude of old Westerns. Of course, the alien fighting Captain Kirk has to be some of the worst costuming ever -- a left over, incidentally, from an old 50's B movie.
Thank you, mysteryman! Now I can sleep at night again. These rocks appear in EVERYTHING. Movies, TV shows, commercials, music videos. I figured they had to be close to LA.
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