Where was Cowboys & Aliens filmed?

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.

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.

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.

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.