Where was Cowboys & Aliens filmed?
2009
City Locations
Santa Fe (USA), Abiquiu (USA), Randsburg (USA)
Location Types
Film Studio, Ranch
Location Styles
Cabin, Building Dated/Retro, Desert, Muscle, Ranch Style
About Cowboys & Aliens
In 2011, Jon Favreau directed the action-packed sci-fi Western film Cowboys & Aliens, starring Daniel Craig, Olivia Wilde, Harrison Ford, Adam Beach, Sam Rockwell, Noah Ringer, and Paul Dano. The movie is based on a graphic novel of the same name by Scott Mitchell Rosenberg, which was published by Platinum Studios.
The plot centers around three characters: an outlaw who doesn't remember his past, a rich cattle rancher, and a stranger. The three team up to save some townspeople that have been taken by aliens. Screenwriters Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci, Mark Fergus, Damon Lindelof, and Hawk Ostby wrote the script based on a screen story by Fergus, Ostby, and Steve Oedekerk. The film was produced by Ron Howard, Brian Grazer, Orci, Kurtzman, and Rosenberg, and executive produced by Steven Spielberg and Favreau.
Filming for Cowboys & Aliens began in June 2010 in New Mexico and California with a budget of $163 million. Despite the studio's pressure to release the movie in 3D, Favreau chose to film it traditionally in anamorphic format to maintain a "classic movie feel," while also ensuring a serious Western element. Moreover, the film's title and premise were inherently comic, but efforts were taken to keep the tone serious. The movie's creators intended to make the aliens appear fascinating and mesmerizing by giving them unique features, such as a fungus that grows on their wounds. This was meant to signify how creatures can adapt to unfamiliar surroundings and overcome challenges.
Cowboys & Aliens debuted at the San Diego Comic-Con in 2011, but it did not do well at the box office and only made $174.8 million. Critics had mixed opinions on the film, praising its acting and special effects while criticizing its screenplay and overall tone.
Cowboys & Aliens Locations
For the production of Cowboys & Aliens, filmmakers used a variety of settings across North America to convey the historic western world of the mid-19th century. Principal photography began at Albuquerque Studios in New Mexico, with sound stage work taking place in Los Angeles and additional scenes filmed in Randsburg, California.
The backdrop for the region utilized for Cowboys & Aliens is immensely varied, from sweeping desert plains to rocky mountain peaks. Those looking to visit these iconic settings can easily explore the deserts and rolling hills near Randsburg and capture images of the towering Manzano Mountains that loom over Albuquerque. Travelers can also journey along picturesque landscapes, such as El Paso Mountain Range, located just south of town.
A trip to these locations for the film Cowboys & Aliens would definitely be worthwhile for any fan. Not only would they have an opportunity to explore some breathtakingly beautiful settings enjoyed by those on set during filming, but they could also immerse themselves in a piece of history while visiting some truly remarkable places!
Jake wandering to Absolution scene in Cowboys & Aliens
Bonanza Creek Ranch, Bonanza Creek Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87508, United States
n the New Mexico Territory of 1873, an injured man wakes up in the desert with a peculiar metal bracelet on his left wrist and no recollection of his past. He eventually stumbles upon the town of Absolution, and the local preacher, Meacham (Clancy Brown), nurses his wounds. However, Sheriff John Taggart (Keith Carradine) recognizes him as the notorious outlaw Jake Lonergan (Daniel Craig) and tries to apprehend him.
The town of Absolution, which has a Western theme, was constructed around eight miles southwest of Santa Fe at Bonanza Creek Ranch. The Bonanza Creek Ranch is a historical ranch located at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in northern New Mexico. The ranch spans over 2,000 acres and is a popular location for film shootings, with many classic movies such as The Cowboys starring John Wayne being filmed on its grounds. The ranch is well-known for its genuine Old Western atmosphere that includes adobe-style buildings, a saloon, and a church, providing an ideal setting for any Wild West production. It also boasts an extensive horseback riding facility, with nature trails that feature scenic views of the surrounding hillsides, as well as a shooting range for a full cowboy experience.
To get to Bonanza Creek Road, Santa Fe, you need to follow these directions. From downtown Santa Fe, head south on US Highway 285 before linking up with the Can Am Highway. It won’t take long until you come across the turnoff for Bonanza Creek Road, with the journey taking around half an hour in total.
Jake finds his posse scene in Cowboys & Aliens
90 San Cristobal Ranch Road, Lamy, NM 87540, United States
While on the run, Jake makes his way to an abandoned cabin and has a flashback where he remembers returning there with Alice (Abigail Spencer) after stealing gold and being kidnapped by the aliens. As his memories return, Jake decides to team up with the posse to fight off the extraterrestrial threat.
This scene was filmed at the San Cristobal Ranch, a working ranch located in the scenic Taos Valley of New Mexico. The ranch spans over 1,300 acres of high desert range land and is known for its breathtaking views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. One of the highlights of the ranch is its state-of-the-art equestrian center, which features a 32,000 square foot indoor arena and ample outdoor riding space. The center also offers riding lessons for all ages and riding levels, as well as clinics and workshops for those looking to improve their riding skills. The San Cristobal Ranch also has various hiking trails that wind through the property, allowing visitors to explore the beautiful desert landscape and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
To get to the ranch, take I-25 south from Santa Fe. It’ll take you a little over half an hour’s driving to get to your destination.
Aliens attacking town scene in Cowboys & Aliens
Diablo Canyon Recreation Area, Old Buckman Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87506, United States
Colonel Woodrow Dolarhyde (Harrison Ford), Percy's (Paul Dano) father and an unscrupulous cattle baron, barges into the town with a group of armed men, demanding his son's release and seeking revenge against Jake for stealing his gold. As the standoff ensues, alien ships descend and begin attacking the town. The ships deploy grappling cables that abduct Percy, Taggart, and other citizens. Jake's bracelet suddenly activates and transforms into a powerful weapon, allowing him to shoot down one of the ships and halt the assault.
The alien is tracked to a canyon, which is Diablo Canyon, located south of Santa Fe. This canyon is a famous rock climbing spot for experienced climbers and was also featured in the 2007 version of 3:10 to Yuma. Diablo Canyon Recreation Area is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, located in the stunning high desert terrain of northern New Mexico. The area offers a variety of recreational opportunities, plus picnic areas with tables, restrooms, and charcoal grills available.
To get to Old Buckman Road, you’re looking at a drive of around 20 miles northwest of Santa Fe.
Aliens mining scene in Cowboys & Aliens
342 Co Rd 155, Abiquiu, NM 87510, United States
The extraterrestrial beings in the film have better weapons and physical abilities than humans. They are on a mission to mine gold and use people for experiments. It is only Jake's wrist weapon or a precisely aimed rifle shot that can take them down with one hit due to their enhanced durability and strength.
The mining scenes were filmed at Plaza Blanca, located in the Abiquiu region of New Mexico, is a surreal landscape of rock formations and white sandstone cliffs. It is a popular destination for hikers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts. The area was made famous by the artist Georgia O’Keeffe, who painted many of the rocks and cliffs in her artwork. The white sandstone cliffs against the blue sky create a stunning visual contrast that has inspired many to visit the area. Aside from hiking, photography at Plaza Blanca is a sought-after activity. The unique landscape and the way the light filters through the rocks create the perfect environment for memorable images.
To get to this location, head north from Santa Fe onUS-84, before turning right onto Co Rd 155 before you reach Abiquiu.
Conclusion
Cowboys & Aliens was an ambitious undertaking that required filming in a diverse range of locations around the USA. The production began at Albuquerque Studios on June 30th 2010 and wrapped up several months later. The settings of the movie ranged from the wide open deserts of New Mexico to the rugged terrain of Randsburg.
The end result was an entertaining sci-fi western hybrid that gave audiences a glimpse into what life would be like if cowboys encountered aliens in the Old West. Cowboys & Aliens proved to be an exciting marriage between two iconic genres, using its unique settings to help tell its story. The combined efforts of the cast and crew resulted in a thrilling action movie that showcased stunning visuals and plenty of spectacle along with its exciting stories.
And if you’re a fan of the movie, you can easily check out some of its iconic filming locations for yourself.