Where was Bite the Bullet filmed?

Bite the Bullet begins with a captivating scene featuring a train journeying along a railroad amidst stunning winter landscapes. A man (John McLiam) inside one of the carriages is engrossed in a newspaper, revealing to the audience information about a "special train to pick up race contestants," with a grand prize of $2,000 awaiting the winner.

The captivating railroad scene and the exquisite interior of the carriage were captured on film at the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad in Chama, adding to the allure of this remarkable location. Designated as a National Historic Landmark, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is an unparalleled gem in North America. Spanning an impressive 64 miles, it proudly holds the title of being the longest, highest, and most authentic steam railroad on the continent. Embarking on a voyage aboard this magnificent locomotive offers passengers a truly immersive experience, traversing through the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Rocky Mountain West.

Getting there is relatively straightforward if you're interested in experiencing this historic railroad firsthand. Chama is located in the northern part of New Mexico, close to the border with Colorado. You can reach the town via U.S. Route 64 if you're coming from the west or by State Route 17 if you're traveling from the north or south. Once in Chama, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is easily accessible in the heart of the town, offering tours that let you relive the scenes from Bite the Bullet.

An intense championship race starts from a desolate area. The scene unfolds in a distinctive red desert park, where riders carve paths through the winding canyons. All participants are pitted against a thoroughbred of championship pedigree owned by Parker (Dabney Coleman), a wealthy man who is fiercely determined to see his entry triumph.

Filmed at the enchanting Valley of Fire State Park in Moapa Valley, Nevada, this scene captures the mesmerizing beauty of its renowned red sandstone formations. These majestic structures, ablaze with the sun's radiant rays, provide a breathtaking backdrop for an intense race sequence. Once at the park, visitors have the opportunity to explore a variety of facilities, including a visitor center, picnic areas, camping grounds, and hiking trails.

The park is located about 50 miles northeast of Las Vegas and can be reached via I-15 N. It's approximately an hour's drive from the city, making it a convenient day trip for those visiting Las Vegas.

One of the film's unforgettable scenes is where the lead characters are seen majestically steering their horses through vast expanses of white sands. Additionally, there's a notable segment where Miss Jones (Candice Bergen), a woman of somewhat dubious morals, takes a moment to quench her thirst and engages in a casual conversation with Sam Clayton (Gene Hackman).

The location where this iconic scene was filmed was, in fact, at White Sands National Park, located in New Mexico. It is home to over 275 square miles of one-of-a-kind dunes composed mainly of gypsum crystals and formed by solid winds hundreds of years ago. Visitors can explore and experience fascinating trails, hike on rippled sands, and take stunning photos of sunsets or sunrises spreading bright colors across the horizon.

To reach White Sands National Park, visitors can travel east on Interstate 70 from Las Cruces towards Alamogordo. The road is mostly straight, and as you approach the White Sands area, you'll notice the park sign on your left-hand side. Convenient parking options should be available there.

Another compelling scene sees Miss Jones help her beau escape from a railway chain gang. In a daring move, they steal the contestants' horses and make a run for it. But the convicts are soon chased down, the riders reclaim their mounts, and the race continues. Now free from her former boyfriend's dark influence, Miss Jones rides off into the countryside, leaving the viewer with a sense of her newfound liberty.

Much of this scene, notably the forest portions, was filmed in Carson National Forest, New Mexico. This sprawling forest, which sees up to a million visitors each year, provided the perfect backdrop for the film's Western ambiance. Its vast landscapes, rich with flora and fauna, authentically represent the untamed wilderness that characters like Miss Jones would have traversed. Once there, you can partake in a variety of recreational activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, mountain biking, skiing, wildlife viewing, scenic touring, off-highway vehicle riding, and rock climbing.

You can fly into Albuquerque International Sunport to visit the Carson National Forest. From there, it's about a three-hour drive north to the forest. It's worth noting that while you can explore the forest's trails and take in its stunning views, pinpointing the exact locations used in the film may prove challenging due to the forest's vast size.

A gripping chase scene unfolds near the serene Lake Mead. Audiences watch as Clayton resorts to throwing dynamite to halt his pursuer, leading to an intense confrontation where Matthews (James Coburn) attempts to gun him down. This high-stakes encounter was filmed at the beautiful Lake Mead National Recreation Area, adding to the film's authentic Western ambiance.

Lake Mead, located in Boulder City, is America’s first and largest national recreation area. Its massive 1.5 million acres, including mountain ranges, canyons, valleys, and two expansive lakes, is home to breathtaking landscapes and brilliant blue waters that provide a perfect backdrop for such a dramatic scene. The recreation area is a year-round playground that offers a variety of activities such as swimming, boating, hiking, cycling, camping, and fishing.

Visiting Lake Mead is relatively straightforward. If you're flying in, the closest airport would be McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas. From there, it's approximately a 40-minute drive to the east. However, please note that some trails might be closed during certain periods, so it's recommended to conduct some research on trail availability before planning your trip.