Desperate Trails is a 1921 American silent Western film directed by John Ford and featuring Harry Carey.

[1] As described in a film publication,[2] Bart Carson (Carey) is in love with Lou (La Marr) and even goes to jail to save Walter A. Walker (Coxen), a man she says is her brother but who is really a husband who has deserted his wife and two children.

Bart then seeks refuge in a cabin with Mrs. Walker (Rich), where he is captured, but the officials have learned the truth and promise him a pardon.

Courtney Ryley Cooper wrote the story Christmas Eve at Pilot Butte which was later purchased by the Universal Film Manufacturing Company.

[4][5] Filming of Desperate Trails started on March 14, 1921, under the working title of Christmas Eve at Pilot Butte, and lasted until April 11, with Harry C. Fowler and Robert De Grasse serving as the photographers.