"Vasquez Rocks is a natural phenomena created by the San Andreas Fault. The upturned stones jut out at bizarre angles and are one of the most commonly used recognizable television and movie backdrops that you will ever see. The rocks have been employed in everything from the Austin Powers’ movies to Bonanza to Blazing Saddles, but they are probably most famous for their use in the original Star Trek episode where Captain Kirk battled the Gorn. Remarkably, the entire episode was pretty much filmed in the parking lot. It is interesting what editing can do for a television show or movie."
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