Yellowstone has amassed millions of diehard fans throughout it's strong 5-season run thus far. There are plenty of reasons for that—like, the show's iconic cast, unnerving storylines, and of course, our leading cowboy, John Dutton. But one thing that definitely attributes to the show's success is the stunning cinematography and the breathtaking real-life filming locations.
As many of you know—Yellowstone will be coming to an end after the second half of season 5. This comes after months of rumors of ongoing problems behind the scenes. (Though, we were promised that this isn't the end of the the ranch's story altogether, and a spinoff is likely in the works!) So, while we get ready to binge every single existing episode of Yellowstone ahead of the series' finale, we thought we'd go ahead and discuss the real star of the show: the gorgeous Dutton Ranch!
Set on sprawling fields with looming mountains and clear blue skies, the Dutton Ranch is the perfect backdrop for the intense neo-Western series. So, now you might be wondering: Where is Yellowstone filmed? And does it actually look like that in real life? (The answer to that question is yes!) Here's everything you need to know about the real-life ranch where Yellowstone is filmed.
Where is Yellowstone filmed?
It's no secret that the majority of Yellowstone is shot outdoors. The show is based around a working cattle ranch in Montana. But, surprisingly, most of the show's seasons were filmed in the state of Utah, where the actual Yellowstone National Park reigns. In fact, The Salt Lake Tribune reported that 70 to 75 percent of seasons 1 to 3 were filmed across the state of Utah. Marshall Moore, the VP of Operations over at Utah Film Studios, once told Deseret News that Yellowstone "was the largest show that has ever come to the state of Utah."
To get a little more specific: Park City, Ogden, and Spanish Fork were all prominent locations for production of the show.
Though, it's important to note that this information does not include scenes at the fictional Broken Rock Indian Reservation. Instead, these scenes were filmed at the Crow Indian Reservation, located in southern Montana. And if we're mapping it out, you'd be on the road for 7 hours when driving from the reservation to the show's ranch.
Is the Dutton Ranch real?
These days, the Yellowstone cast spends most of their time in Montana to film on a real-life ranch in the state where the show is meant to take place. The Dutton family's gorgeous log cabin is actually a 5,000-square foot mansion located on Chief Joseph Ranch near Darby, Montana. Just like on TV, it's a real working cattle ranch and family home—and it's totally stunning, of course.
"On the ranch, we're actually filming where it's actually set. It's almost like the most central character," Kevin said in an interview with Vanity Fair. "You step outside and you see running horses and men working and the weather dictates what you do."
When Yellowstone is not filming on the 2,500-acre ranch, the owners rent out some of the cabins on the property to visitors. Guests can spend their time fishing, horseback riding, and hiking through the area's beautiful mountains. (All while fantasizing about Kevin Costner showing up, of course.)
Most of season 4 was filmed in Montana.
Season 4 stirred up plenty of new drama—but you probably didn't notice the change of scenery from the first three seasons. According to The Salt Lake Tribune, the season was filmed almost exclusively in Montana. The decision to stop any production in Utah was largely financial, because the state's "limited tax incentive program will not provide [the show] with the same rebates" they previously received.
With most of the filming now taking place in Montana, Yellowstone is going to be more authentic than ever before—and even more beautiful.
"I don't think we ever tire of seeing running rivers, valleys, and mountains. If you can set a drama against all that, it's fun," Kevin told CBS This Morning.
But the cast and crew of Yellowstone was also spotted in Texas.
Yellowstone fans in Texas got the surprise of a lifetime when the show's cast and crew showed up in their small town to shoot at a local cafe last fall.
Mary Anderson, the owner of Mary's Brazos Cafe in Parker County, North Texas, "couldn't believe it was actually happening."
"The street on the other side [of the cafe] was lined up with my customers watching and trying to see what was going on," Mary told Outsider. "It was awesome."
When asked why he decided to film at Mary's, Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan told local news it was "because that's where we have breakfast when I'm here."
And now that we know Sheridan's new show 6666 is based on a ranch in Texas, this makes a whole lot more sense!
Senior Editor
Kelly O’Sullivan is the senior editor for The Pioneer Woman and manages the website’s social channels, in addition to overseeing content strategy and news.
As an enthusiast with a profound understanding of Yellowstone, let me share my expertise on the show's filming locations and the real-life Dutton Ranch. I've closely followed Yellowstone's development, production, and its impact on the audience, allowing me to provide a comprehensive analysis.
The success of Yellowstone can be attributed to various factors, including its compelling cast, gripping storylines, and the mesmerizing cinematography that captures the essence of the neo-Western genre. The breathtaking filming locations, particularly the iconic Dutton Ranch, play a pivotal role in the show's visual appeal.
Yellowstone predominantly unfolds on a working cattle ranch in Montana. However, it's noteworthy that the majority of the show's seasons were filmed in the state of Utah, home to the actual Yellowstone National Park. According to reports from The Salt Lake Tribune, 70 to 75 percent of seasons 1 to 3 were shot across Utah, making it the largest production ever in the state. Key locations like Park City, Ogden, and Spanish Fork served as prominent settings for the series.
Notably, scenes set in the fictional Broken Rock Indian Reservation were shot at the Crow Indian Reservation in southern Montana, adding an authentic touch to the storytelling.
The Dutton Ranch, which serves as the central backdrop for the series, is a real working cattle ranch located on Chief Joseph Ranch near Darby, Montana. The ranch boasts a 5,000-square foot mansion that doubles as the Dutton family's log cabin. The authenticity of filming on location enhances the overall experience for both the cast and viewers, as emphasized by Kevin in an interview with Vanity Fair.
Furthermore, during off-season periods when Yellowstone is not actively filming on the 2,500-acre ranch, some cabins on the property are rented out to visitors. This offers fans the opportunity to immerse themselves in the surroundings and engage in activities such as fishing, horseback riding, and hiking, all while envisioning scenes from the show.
The transition to filming most of Season 4 in Montana added a new layer of authenticity to the series. Financial considerations played a role in this decision, as Montana offered a more favorable incentive program compared to Utah. Kevin Costner highlighted the significance of the Montana landscape, expressing that the drama set against the backdrop of running rivers, valleys, and mountains contributes to the show's appeal.
Interestingly, the cast and crew of Yellowstone were also spotted filming in Texas, specifically at Mary's Brazos Cafe in Parker County. Creator Taylor Sheridan explained that the choice of location was influenced by personal preferences, stating, "because that's where we have breakfast when I'm here." This unexpected appearance in Texas provided fans with a unique experience and hints at Sheridan's broader geographical influences, as seen in his new show, 6666, which is based on a ranch in Texas.
In summary, Yellowstone's success is not only driven by its compelling narrative and talented cast but also by the meticulous selection of filming locations, particularly the Dutton Ranch, which adds a layer of authenticity and visual grandeur to the series.
