Nov
Where Was Yellowstone Filmed? Discover the Real Locations Behind the Scenic Series
Forget green screens and CGI—Yellowstone’s big, blue skies and stunning landscapes are real.
The second half of Yellowstone’s final season has arrived at last. Since the season 5 premiere nearly two years ago, fans have been eager to see the show’s vast plains, endless blue skies, and cinematic cowboy scenes return.
The Kevin Costner-led Western drama isn’t just known for its intense family drama and plot twists—it’s also beloved for its striking Montana setting, which feels like a character of its own, standing right alongside the Dutton family.
Whether you miss those peaceful sunrise shots of John Dutton enjoying his coffee or the sweeping vistas surrounding his rustic mansion (which is a real Montana ranch), here’s a look at the real locations where Yellowstone was filmed.
Where Was Yellowstone Filmed? Discover the Real Locations Behind the Scenic Series
The Yellowstone Ranch (Chief Joseph Ranch, Darby, Montana)
While most TV shows rely on soundstages, backlots, and green screens, Yellowstone’s Dutton Ranch is an actual working cattle ranch in Montana. And given the stunning views and sprawling estate, it’s easy to see why Hollywood magic couldn’t replicate it.
The real Yellowstone Ranch is Chief Joseph Ranch in Darby, Montana. The family-owned, 5,000-square-foot property closely resembles its on-screen counterpart. From the interiors to the outdoor barns, stables, and bunkhouses, the show’s iconic settings are all part of the real-life ranch.
Dedicated fans can even book stays in Rip Wheeler’s (Cole Hauser) and Lee Dutton’s (Dave Annable) cabins, while guided tours of the ranch are available too—although a visit to the infamous “train station” is not included.
Located near Montana’s beautiful Bitterroot Valley, this historic area, crossed by Lewis and Clark in 1805, is framed by the breathtaking Bitterroot mountain range, including the impressive Trapper Peak.
Broken Rock Reservation (Crow Indian Reservation, Billings, Montana)
In the show’s first season, tensions between the Dutton family and the neighboring Broken Rock Reservation, led by Chairman Thomas Rainwater (Gil Birmingham), fuel many of the storylines. However, unlike the fictional Broken Rock, the real Crow Indian Reservation is located about six hours from Chief Joseph Ranch, just outside Billings, Montana.
Despite this geographical difference, the real reservation has much in common with the show’s depiction. It’s home to the Crow tribe and was established in the 19th century, now covering 2.3 million acres where hundreds of free-roaming bison live. Rainwater’s character appears in many scenes filmed here, including outdoor sequences. The reservation also houses a real casino, the Apsaalooke Nights Casino, known as the Painted Horse Casino in the show.
Where Was Yellowstone Filmed? Discover the Real Locations Behind the Scenic Series
Utah Locations, Seasons 1–3 (Ogden, Spanish Fork, Park City)
While the fictional Yellowstone Ranch is located in Montana, much of the series’ early seasons were actually filmed in Utah, with key locations in Ogden, Spanish Fork, and Park City.
Ogden, a popular ski town, provided the urban backdrop for scenes including Beth’s (Kelly Reilly) office at Schwartz & Meyer. Beth’s character often frequents The Outlaw Saloon, a real country music bar in Ogden.
Rodeo scenes, a Dutton family tradition, were also filmed in Utah. Some took place at Ogden’s Pioneer Stadium, but most bull-riding sequences were filmed at Spanish Fork Fairgrounds, home to the Utah County Fair’s real-life rodeos and tractor pulls.
Long-time fans may recall Dan Jenkins (Danny Huston), an antagonist whose opulent “Montana” lodge actually filmed at Park City’s Nicklaus Clubhouse at Promontory Point. Known for its luxurious amenities, dining, and seasonal activities, this stunning estate stands in as his lodge in the series.
Yellowstone’s vast landscapes and authentic Western locations have played a major role in shaping the show’s unforgettable look and feel. Whether in Montana or Utah, the series has used real places to capture the wild beauty that fans have come to love.
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