Rediscovering the Ape Planet An Insider’s Guide to Locating the Filming Locations of Planet of the Apes (2001)

Post originally Published May 6, 2024 || Last Updated May 6, 2024

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Rediscovering the Ape Planet An Insider's Guide to Locating the Filming Locations of Planet of the Apes (2001) - Unraveling the Secrets of Malibu's Ape Planet


The original "Planet of the Apes" film from 1968 and its 2001 remake both utilized the stunning landscapes of Malibu, California to bring the ape-dominated planet to life.

From the arid, desolate terrain of Westward Beach to the lush wilderness of Malibu Creek State Park, these locations have become iconic destinations for fans of the franchise.

The original 1968 "Planet of the Apes" film utilized Malibu's Westward Beach and Malibu Creek State Park as the arid, desert-like filming locations to depict the ape-dominated planet.

Interestingly, the crash-landing scene featuring the lead astronaut, George Taylor, was also shot in Malibu, contributing to the film's authenticity.

The 2001 remake of "Planet of the Apes," directed by Tim Burton, continued the tradition of using Malibu locations to recreate the planet's desolate landscape.

Malibu Creek State Park has become a hub for "Planet of the Apes" fans, with various filming spots, including Pirates Cove and the Statue of Liberty scene at Dume Cove, attracting visitors.

The prequel trilogy, such as "Rise of the Planet of the Apes," employed advanced motion capture technology to bring the ape characters to life, with Andy Serkis' performance as the protagonist Caesar widely acclaimed.

The latest installment, "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes," features a significant time jump of 300 years, showcasing the evolution of the ape civilization in the Malibu landscape.

What else is in this post?

  1. Rediscovering the Ape Planet An Insider's Guide to Locating the Filming Locations of Planet of the Apes (2001) - Unraveling the Secrets of Malibu's Ape Planet
  2. Rediscovering the Ape Planet An Insider's Guide to Locating the Filming Locations of Planet of the Apes (2001) - Exploring the Santa Clarita Valley's Iconic Vasquez Rocks
  3. Rediscovering the Ape Planet An Insider's Guide to Locating the Filming Locations of Planet of the Apes (2001) - Vasquez Canyon - The Apes' Sacred Temple Unveiled
  4. Rediscovering the Ape Planet An Insider's Guide to Locating the Filming Locations of Planet of the Apes (2001) - Van Nuys Airport - Where Apes Took Flight
  5. Rediscovering the Ape Planet An Insider's Guide to Locating the Filming Locations of Planet of the Apes (2001) - Santa Clarita Studios - Unveiling the Interior Ape World
  6. Rediscovering the Ape Planet An Insider's Guide to Locating the Filming Locations of Planet of the Apes (2001) - Revisiting the Planet's Final Reckoning at Point Dume

Rediscovering the Ape Planet An Insider's Guide to Locating the Filming Locations of Planet of the Apes (2001) - Exploring the Santa Clarita Valley's Iconic Vasquez Rocks


With its towering rock formations, deep crevices, and picturesque stone labyrinths, the park has become a popular destination for hikers, rock climbers, and movie enthusiasts alike.

The park's proximity to the Antelope Valley Freeway and its rich history as a filming location for various Hollywood productions, including the "Planet of the Apes" franchise, make it a must-visit destination for those exploring the region.

7 Surprising Facts

The Vasquez Rocks are composed of metamorphic rock known as quartz monzonite, formed over 25 million years ago due to tectonic plate movement and erosion.

The unique geological formations, including jagged cliffs and deep crevices, were created by the San Andreas Fault, which runs directly through the park.

Archaeologists have discovered evidence of human habitation in the Vasquez Rocks dating back over 8,000 years, with the Tataviam and Tongva tribes using the area for hunting and shelter.

The rocks' dramatic appearance has made them a popular filming location for numerous movies, television shows, and commercials, including the 1968 and 2001 versions of "Planet of the Apes," "Star Trek," and "The Flintstones."

In the 1850s, the outlaw Tiburcio Vásquez used the Vasquez Rocks as a hideout, evading capture from law enforcement for several years before his eventual arrest.

The park features a diverse array of flora and fauna, including over 1,000 species of plants, 200 species of birds, and various reptiles and mammals, such as the California ground squirrel and the coyote.

Rediscovering the Ape Planet An Insider's Guide to Locating the Filming Locations of Planet of the Apes (2001) - Vasquez Canyon - The Apes' Sacred Temple Unveiled


Rediscovering the Ape Planet An Insider’s Guide to Locating the Filming Locations of Planet of the Apes (2001)

Contrary to popular belief, the Vasquez Rocks in California's Santa Clarita Valley did not appear in the 2001 film "Planet of the Apes." Instead, the film's desert landscapes were primarily shot in locations across British Columbia, Alberta, and other parts of western North America.

While the Vasquez Rocks have a rich history as a filming location for various Hollywood productions, including the original 1968 "Planet of the Apes" movie, the 2001 remake opted for more remote and untouched natural settings to depict the ape-dominated planet.

Contrary to popular belief, the Vasquez Rocks in California were not used as a filming location for the 2001 Planet of the Apes movie.

The film primarily utilized locations in British Columbia and Alberta, Canada.

The Vasquez Rocks are estimated to have formed over 25 million years ago due to the movement of the San Andreas Fault, resulting in the dramatic, jagged landscape.

Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of human habitation in the Vasquez Rocks dating back over 8,000 years, with the Tataviam and Tongva tribes using the area for hunting and shelter.

Despite not being featured in the 2001 Planet of the Apes film, the Vasquez Rocks have a rich history as a filming location, with the iconic rock formations appearing in numerous movies, TV shows, and commercials, including the original 1968 Planet of the Apes.

The outlaw Tiburcio Vásquez used the Vasquez Rocks as a hideout in the 1850s, evading capture from law enforcement for several years before his eventual arrest.

The Vasquez Rocks are home to a diverse array of plant and animal life, including over 1,000 species of plants, 200 species of birds, and various reptiles and mammals such as the California ground squirrel and the coyote.

While the Vasquez Rocks did not appear in the 2001 Planet of the Apes film, the filmmakers did utilize the desert landscapes around Page, Glen Canyon, and Lake Powell in northern Arizona to depict the apes' planet.

The 2001 Planet of the Apes film, directed by Tim Burton, is a remake of the original 1968 movie and follows a different timeline, suggesting the ape rebellion occurred in 2700 rather than the original's

Rediscovering the Ape Planet An Insider's Guide to Locating the Filming Locations of Planet of the Apes (2001) - Van Nuys Airport - Where Apes Took Flight


The 2001 film "Planet of the Apes" utilized Van Nuys Airport in Los Angeles as a primary filming location, with the airport's facilities and surroundings doubling as the setting for the planet inhabited by intelligent apes.

The production team meticulously recreated the exterior and interior of spaceships and other futuristic structures in and around the airport to bring the ape-dominated world to life on the big screen.

While the Vasquez Rocks did not appear in the 2001 film, the filmmakers explored diverse natural landscapes across British Columbia, Alberta, and other parts of western North America to depict the ape planet.

Van Nuys Airport, located in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, served as a key filming location for the 2001 remake of "Planet of the Apes" directed by Tim Burton.

The airport's facilities and surrounding areas were meticulously transformed to depict the ape-dominated planet, with the production team recreating the exterior and interior of spaceships and other futuristic structures.

While the majority of outdoor shooting took place in British Columbia and Alberta, Canada, the scenes set on the ape planet were predominantly filmed at Van Nuys Airport, showcasing its versatility as a filming location.

The airport's diverse infrastructure, including hangars, runways, and administrative buildings, provided the perfect canvas for the movie's production team to bring the ape civilization to life on the silver screen.

Interestingly, Van Nuys Airport has a rich history in aviation, having served as a hub for private and general aviation since the 1920s, making it an ideal location for the film's futuristic setting.

The airport's close proximity to major film studios in Hollywood and the diverse landscapes of the surrounding San Fernando Valley made it an attractive choice for the production team, reducing logistical challenges and transportation costs.

In addition to "Planet of the Apes," Van Nuys Airport has been featured in numerous other films, television shows, and commercials, cementing its status as a premier filming location in the Los Angeles area.

The airport's ability to accommodate a wide range of aircraft, from small private planes to large corporate jets, added to its versatility as a filming location, allowing the production team to incorporate various aerial shots and scenes.

The success of the 2001 "Planet of the Apes" film, which grossed over $362 million worldwide, has helped to solidify Van Nuys Airport's reputation as a hub for film production, attracting future projects and contributing to the local economy.

Rediscovering the Ape Planet An Insider's Guide to Locating the Filming Locations of Planet of the Apes (2001) - Santa Clarita Studios - Unveiling the Interior Ape World


Santa Clarita Studios in Valencia, California, served as a filming location for the 2001 remake of "Planet of the Apes," featuring 35 sound stages ranging from 6,000 to 48,000 square feet.

While the Vasquez Rocks in the Santa Clarita Valley were not used for the 2001 film, the production team utilized diverse natural landscapes across British Columbia and Alberta, Canada, to depict the ape-dominated planet.

Santa Clarita Studios, located in Valencia, California, features 35 sound stages ranging from 6,000 to 48,000 square feet, making it a versatile filming location for various productions.

The studio's fully furnished production office spaces and on-site amenities have made it a popular choice for filmmakers, including the team behind the 2001 remake of "Planet of the Apes."

While the Vasquez Rocks in Santa Clarita Valley were not utilized for the 2001 "Planet of the Apes" film, the unique geological formations have been featured in numerous other Hollywood productions over the years.

The Vasquez Rocks are composed of metamorphic quartz monzonite rock, formed over 25 million years ago due to tectonic plate movement and erosion along the San Andreas Fault.

Archaeologists have discovered evidence of human habitation in the Vasquez Rocks dating back over 8,000 years, with the Tataviam and Tongva tribes using the area for hunting and shelter.

The dramatic appearance of the Vasquez Rocks, with their jagged cliffs and deep crevices, have made them a popular filming location for movies, TV shows, and commercials, including the original 1968 "Planet of the Apes" film.

Despite not being featured in the 2001 "Planet of the Apes" remake, the filmmakers did utilize the desert landscapes around Page, Glen Canyon, and Lake Powell in northern Arizona to depict the ape-dominated planet.

The 2001 "Planet of the Apes" film, directed by Tim Burton, is a remake of the original 1968 movie and follows a different timeline, suggesting the ape rebellion occurred in 2700 rather than the original's timeline.

Van Nuys Airport in Los Angeles served as a primary filming location for the 2001 "Planet of the Apes" remake, with the airport's facilities and surroundings doubling as the setting for the ape-dominated world.

The production team meticulously recreated the exterior and interior of spaceships and other futuristic structures in and around Van Nuys Airport to bring the ape civilization to life on the big screen.

Rediscovering the Ape Planet An Insider's Guide to Locating the Filming Locations of Planet of the Apes (2001) - Revisiting the Planet's Final Reckoning at Point Dume


The final scene of the 1968 "Planet of the Apes" film was famously shot at Point Dume State Beach in Malibu, California, featuring the iconic revelation of the buried Statue of Liberty.

Point Dume has become an iconic filming location for the franchise, with the beach's headlands, cliffs, rocky coves, and vast access making it a popular destination for fans to visit and explore the ape planet's final reckoning.

The final scene of the 1968 "Planet of the Apes" film, featuring the iconic Statue of Liberty reveal, was shot at Point Dume State Beach in Malibu, California.

The production team initially planned to film the outdoor scenes on the 20th Century Fox ranch property, but later relocated to Utah and then to the ranch and studio sound stage.

The scenes where the spaceship crash-lands in the lake were filmed at Lake Powell, a man-made reservoir on the Colorado River in Utah.

Point Dume State Beach is a popular destination for activities like hiking, swimming, surfing, and whale watching, in addition to its cinematic fame.

The production of the film's final scenes at Point Dume took place over the course of a week or more, with the Statue of Liberty scene filmed at the eastern edge of Dume Cove.

The area is known for its dramatic headlands, cliffs, rocky coves, and vast beach access, which contributed to the otherworldly appearance of the ape-dominated planet.

The 2001 remake of "Planet of the Apes," directed by Tim Burton, also utilized Malibu locations, including Pirate's Cove Beach and Dume Cove, to depict the ape-ruled world.

Malibu Creek State Park has become a hub for "Planet of the Apes" fans, with various filming spots attracting visitors interested in the franchise's history.

The prequel trilogy, such as "Rise of the Planet of the Apes," employed advanced motion capture technology to bring the ape characters to life, with Andy Serkis' performance as Caesar widely acclaimed.

The latest installment, "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes," features a significant time jump of 300 years, showcasing the evolution of the ape civilization in the Malibu landscape.

Point Dume State Beach is known for its diverse array of flora and fauna, including over 1,000 species of plants, 200 species of birds, and various reptiles and mammals, adding to the unique character of the filming location.

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