These photos were taken in the Moab, Utah, area during June 2006. Several of these photos were taken along Scenic Route 128 near Red Cliffs Lodge, built on the old George White Ranch, a key location for nine of the big western movies including Rio Grande, Cheyenne Autumn, Ten Who Dared, The Commancheros, and Rio Conchos. The late George White founded the Moab to Monument Valley Film Commission, the longest ongoing film commission in the world.

In 1912, author Zane Grey visited this area and reputedly stayed at the White Ranch. While there he was inspired by the picturesque locale to write his first western novel, "Riders of the Purple Sage", which is stil in print today. Photos in this small gallery have captions based on fictional characters and place names mentioned in this novel.

"Riders of the Purple Sage" has been filmed several times, including a 1996 made-for-TV movie starring Ed Harris and Amy Madigan which used Moab area locations such as inspired Zane Grey himself.

All images copyright Beth and Tony Maxey 2006. Use of images without our permission is strictly prohibited.